John Newcombe
'Single Handed Champion of the World'
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Limited Edition of 350 Worldwide
Personally hand signed by:
John Newcombe
Authenticated & Certified by:
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Framed Size: 800mm by 600mm
Click image for closer view
One of Australia's most loved sporting greats, John Newcombe first placed his name on the tennis “roll of honour” in 1967, when he won the Wimbledon singles championship as an amateur, the year before the ‘Open' era began.
Inscribed on the 117 year old Wimbledon Gentleman's Singles Trophy, are the words: “The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Champion of the World”
Instantly recognisable by his Mexican-style moustache and rugged good looks, ‘Newk' proved he had substance as well as style, by employing a brilliant serve 'n' volley game that was perfect for grass court tennis – the surface used at 3 of the 4 Grand Slam venues at the time.
Indeed, the French title – contested on clay at Roland Garros – was the only Grand Slam crown to elude him.
John followed his Wimbledon success in 1967 with victory at the U.S. Open a few months later, before turning professional, and going on to win a further 5 Grand Slam titles, including 2 Wimbledon, 1 U.S., and 2 Australian Opens.
As World number one, he won back-to-back Wimbledon crowns in 1970/ 71 (defeating compatriot Ken Rosewall and American Stan Smith, respectively), but was unable to defend his title the following year, because of an administrative and political “ standoff ”, which saw players contracted to certain circuits banned from the Championships.
He also collected an incredible 17 Grand Slam doubles titles – most with playing partner Tony Roche – whose combination with Newcombe was described as “ a wall that opponents found impossible to penetrate”.
A fiercely proud Australian, John continues to be a father figure and inspiration to future generations of tennis players ( Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt are just two of the Grand Slam champions he's taken “under his wing”). At the start of Wimbledon each year, he provides motivation to all the aussie players by holding a pre-tournament barbecue and bonding session at his house near the All England club, which is also attended by past legends. John also flew the Australian flag as a member of four Davis Cup winning teams (1965-67 & 1973) before captaining the victorious Cup team in 2000. In addition, he has added an expert (and of course, parochial), touch to television broadcasts for two decades in his role as a commentator.
He retired from competition in 1978 and was promptly awarded an OBE for services to tennis. As a measure of the esteem in which he is held, Newcombe was inducted into the world tennis Hall of Fame in 1986.
Possessing a laconic, but larrikin-type personality, which embraces the Australian ethos, John Newcombe is a national icon, and a proud bearer of the title, “single-handed champion of the world”.
LARGE SIZE PHOTOGRAPHY – LARGE SCALE IMPACT
The featured photograph captures John Newcombe in spectacular action, on his way to his third Wimbledon singles crown…playing an outstretched backhand volley in the final against American Stan Smith.
This definitive photograph encompasses Newk's fightback in the final, which saw him come from 2 sets to 1 down, to win in five. Now reproduced for eternity in Legends' stunning ‘black and whites' design, ‘Single Handed Champion Of The World' preserves the simplicity and inherent charm of black and white photography. With dramatic and compelling effect, the photograph is reproduced as large as possible within the format. Below the photograph is brief information about the image and edition.
“Single Handed Champion Of The World' is available framed and ready for you to display, or unframed so you can cellar it or frame it at your leisure to match your surroundings. These options also allow you the choice of two price points.
UNQUESTIONABLE AUTHENTICITY
Every edition has been independently authenticated and certified by major chartered accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Limitation.
PERSONALLY SIGNED BY JOHN NEWCOMBE
In Australian tennis history, John Newcombe will be long be remembered, not only for his on-court brilliance and patriotic passion, but also for his good-natured approach to the way he played the game – a quality which endeared him to millions of fans around the globe. His signature added to each edition will make it highly prized by collectors.
LIMITED RELEASE
Only 500 editions of ‘Single Handed Champion Of The World' will ever be made available … Personally signed by John Newcombe and independently authenticated by major chartered accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, we strongly urge you to place your order as quickly as possible.
“A champion who pushed himself beyond the limit, Newcombe was a smiling assassin with a handlebar moustache, who always played to win but still knew how to enjoy himself”.