James Outram Anderson (17 September 1894 – 22 December 1973), commonly known as ''J.O. Anderson'', was an Australian
tennis
Tennis is a racket sport that is played either individually against a single opponent ( singles) or between two teams of two players each ( doubles). Each player uses a tennis racket that is strung with cord to strike a hollow rubber ball ...
player.
Personal life
Anderson was the eighth child of James Outram Anderson and his wife Patience (née Laycock). He was educated at Camden Grammar School.
He married Maud Irene Whitfield (died 1955) on 24 March 1917. They had five children. He married a widow, Mabel Little, on 18 November 1957. Anderson died on 22 December 1973 at Gosford. He was survived by his second wife, as well as the son and four daughters of his first marriage.
In 2013, Anderson was inducted into the
International Tennis Hall of Fame
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is located in Newport, Rhode Island, United States. It honors both players and other contributors to the sport of tennis. The complex, the former Newport Casino, includes a museum, grass tennis courts, an indo ...
.
Career
Anderson is best remembered for his three victories at his home tournament: the
Australasian Championships in 1922, 1924 and 1925. Anderson also won the doubles tournament at the
1922 Wimbledon Championships
The 1922 Wimbledon Championships were the 42nd edition of the prestigious tennis tournament, held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London. The tournament ran from 26 June until 10 July.2010 Wimbledon Compendium, by A ...
and
1924 Australian Championships. He was celebrated in Australia for his mascot, a large toy kangaroo which he brought on court.
Between 1919 and 1925 Anderson played in 15 ties for the
Australian Davis Cup team and compiled a record of 28 wins and 8 losses.
From 1929 to 1934, Anderson had an endorsement deal with the
Alexander Patent Racket Company
The Alexander Patent Racket Company was an Australian sports equipment manufacturer based in Launceston, Tasmania, which operated between 1925 and 1961.
The company was established by Alfred Alexander Jr. and Stephen B. Hopwood, initially to man ...
in
Launceston, Tasmania, to produce a range of 'J.O. Anderson' tennis racquets.
Playing Style
Anderson's best shot was his forehand drive, which he hit with very little topspin. He mastered this shot to compensate for his weak backhand shot. Anderson was nicknamed 'The Greyhound' for his quickness on the tennis court.
Grand Slam finals
Singles: 3 titles
Doubles: 6 (2 titles, 4 runners-up)
References
External links
Australian Dictionary of Biography – Anderson, James Outram (1894–1973)*
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Anderson, James
1894 births
1973 deaths
Australasian Championships (tennis) champions
Australian male tennis players
Tennis people from New South Wales
Wimbledon champions (pre-Open Era)
Grand Slam (tennis) champions in men's singles
Grand Slam (tennis) champions in men's doubles
International Tennis Hall of Fame inductees