The Australian is considered one of the greatest tennis players to have ever picked up a racquet and had a career rich with records and achievements.

Born on this day in 1938 and turning 78, Laver’s 200 singles titles remain the most in tennis history, while his 22 titles in men’s singles for a season (1962) and seven straight years (1964-70) of winning at least 10 per calendar year still stand.

Even though his time as the world No. 1 from 1964 to 1970 began four years before the start of the Open Era, Laver manged to win 11 Grand Slams, including four at Wimbledon.

For his home nation of Australia, he also contributed to five Davis Cup triumphs and won the calendar year Pro Grand Slam in 1967 with victories in the US Pro, Wembley Pro and French Pro.

Laver retired in 1976 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Here are the other sporting stars who are celebrating:

1928: Bob Cousy, American former Boston Celtics star, six-time champion and Hall of Famer. (88)

1964: Brett Hull, Canadian-American former NHLer who is fourth highest goal-scorer with 741. (52)

1973: Filippo Inzaghi, Italian retired footballer and manager of Venezia, two-time Champions League winner with AC Milan. (43)

1982: Tyson Gay, American sprinter, four-time 100 metre US champion with a personal best of 9.69 seconds making him the fastest athlete after Jamaica’s Usain Bolt. (33)