McGregor’s Rise To Distinction In Lawn Tennis

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 September 1950, Page 7

McGregor’s Rise To Distinction In Lawn Tennis

Ken McGregor, the, 6ft 2-2-in Australian, who made lawn tennis history by his defeat of the leading American, Ted Schroeder, in the first day’s play of the Davis Cup challenge round, was born in Victoria on June 2, 1929. He weighs 12st 91b. Ken is one of those fortunate athletes described as a “natural.”

At an early stage, it appeared as if he would follow in his father’s footsteps, and concentrate on football (Australian rules). Mr McGregor had in 1926 and 1927 won the highest individual award in South Australian football, the Magarey Medal, for the “best .and fairest player.” It was almost taken for granted that young Ken, already growing into a long-legged lad, would follow in his father’s footsteps and bring home at least one more Magarey Medal.

But young McGregor was interested in othei- sports as well’at school. He excelled at cricket, lacrosse, and also tennis. Ken started playing tennis at. 10 years of age, and played in under--12 competitions after only six months in the game. Promising Youngsters

It was here that he made the acquaintance .of another promising youngster, Don Candy, and the pair have been firm friends ever since. Candy won the Australian junior championships in 1947, but McGregor, described as the outstanding prospect of the year, turned the tables on Candy to win the junior title the following year. Shortly afterwards, young McGregor moved to Melbourne, and, with the full approval of his parents, who appeared relieved at the decision,, football was left behind, and all the .young player’s attention turned to tennis. He was followed shortly byDon Candy, and these two, together with Frank Sedgrhan, George Worth-; ington, and the promising left-hander Mervyn Rose, formed a group from which it already appeared that a team could be built capable of winning the Davis Cup. Came .Through Drubbings

McGregor gained valuable experience as a member of the last Australian team to tour South Africa, and was determined to gain selection in this year’s Davis Cup team. After some not altogether satisfactory appearances in various tournaments, and some drubbings in exhibition matches against the overseas stars, Jaroslav Drobney and Eric Sturgess, McGregor’s opportunity came at the Australian championships. ■ ; How, unseeded, he swept, through George Worthington and Billy Sidwell with brilliant service, volleying

and overhead, to make the final, and go down fighting, to Frank Sedgman, in what was described as the outstanding Australian final for many years, is now history.

Like all other leading players, McGregor realises the value of hard practice, and it is ho uncommon sight to see him on the court, practising hard, to' improve still further his range of strokes.

With these brilliant young players as an incentive to others, there is every hope that Australia will for some time retain her now, proved position—the champion tennis nation of the world. •