Australian tennis great Rod Laver is the only player to have completed the Grand Slam two times – in 1962 and 1969 – In the first instance, Laver was in fine form as he battled his way through at the French Open. He made it to the title clash following a darkness delayed five-set semi-final win over fellow Aussie Neale Fraser.
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In the final, played on this day in 1962, Laver played compatriot Roy Emerson. In a tense battle, Laver trailed 0-3 in the fourth set, but rallied to take the extended fourth set before breaking Emerson twice to ride out the fifth set and register a 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 9-7, 6-2 to win the clay crown.
Other memorable events on this day:
1925: New York Yankee’s Lou Gehrig begins his 2,130 consecutive game streak.
1935: After an argument with Boston Braves owner Emil Fuchs, MLB legend Babe Ruth retires at the age of 40.
1991: Seppo Raty of Finland improves his world javelin record to 318’ 1” during an athletic meet in Punkalaidun, Finland.
1996: Annika Sorenstam wins the 51st US Women’s Open Golf Championship.