Tony Roche

Born:: May 17, 1945
Place of Birth:: Tarcutta, Australia
Citizenship:: Australia
Induction Category:: Recent Player
Year of Induction:: 1986
Highest Ranking: World Singles Ranking: 2

A stocky left-hander who brought considerable flair and flexibility with him into the competitive arena, Roche joined close friend and fellow Australian John Newcombe to form one of the most successful doubles partnerships of all time. His backhand volley-regarded by many authorities as the best ever-was taken right out of a textbook. His career was cut short by injuries but he moved on to coaching, working with Ivan Lendl, Patrick Rafter, Roger Federer, and Lleyton Hewitt. Roche was also a superb Australian Davis Cup coach.