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EllsworthVines Even from an early age, Ellsworth Vines was being compared to Maurice McLoughlin - the original "Californian Comet" - terrorising all before him with a cannonball serve and tactical gambles, which netted the Los Angeles youngster three Grand Slam singles titles before he turned professional. A disappointing U.S. Championships in 1930, found Vines reacting mournfully over his loss, but practice against slow court players through the winter and following summer saw the right-hander win at Forest Hills in 1931, against George Lott 7-9, 6-3, 9-7, 7-5.
Vines' on-court temperament was excellent, even when he questioned calls, he wouldn't explode, but slowly angle his head to the 'offending' linesman and simply smile. Crowds marvelled at his play and that brought him widespread respect both during and long after he finished playing the amateur game, which he did from 1930-33. In 1932 he was superb, winning four of the eight tournaments he played in, finishing the year as the undisputed world number one, with a 45-5 match record. He was also a Davis Cup rookie (9-1 match record), finally being selected on the way to the Challenge Round, in the 3-2 loss to France. He successful defended his U.S. crown, beating Henri Cochet 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in 59 minutes and a first Wimbledon title. With one of the best and flattest serves ever seen, a risky forehand, which accompanied his smash and volley in doing the damage to opponents, he beat Bunny Austin in the Wimbledon singles final 6-4, 6-2, 6-0. Pounding down 30 aces as he did, Don Budge marvelled: "Thirty aces in 12 service games! Considering it was against one of the finest players of the era and a Wimbledon final, it could be the greatest serving demonstration ever." Jack Crawford was Vines' conqueror in the 1933 Wimbledon final, having failed to cash in on numerous second set break points in his 4-6, 11-9, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win. Austin and Fred Perry beat him in the Davis Cup semi-final in Paris and so did Bitsy Grant in the fourth round of the U.S. Championships. He signed professional forms, disgusted with himself returning home to tour with Bill Tilden. In their opening match in front of 16,200 fans Tilden won 8-6, 6-3, 6-2, but Vines beat the aging Tilden to finish with 47 matches to 26. The American was considered the top professional until 1938, when Budge came on the scene after his amateur Grand Slam. He won the Wembley World Professional title, three times from 1935-37. His interest in tennis waned and turned to professional golf, where he was very good. He died on the 17th March 1994.
Grand Slam Record Australian Doubles winner 1933 Wimbledon Singles winner 1932; Singles finalist 1933 U.S. Championship Singles winner 1931-32; Doubles winner 1932; Mixed winner 1933; Mixed finalist 1932 Tournament Record (inc. Davis Cup) United States Davis Cup team member 1932-33;
losing side 1932
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