Tennis South Africa, and the wider local and international tennis community, are mourning the loss of Gordon Forbes, who passed away in Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday, at the age of 86.
A famous ex-player and author, Forbes was also a former board member and President of the South African Tennis Union — now Tennis South Africa.
Born on a farm near Burgersdorp in the Eastern Cape in 1934, Forbes was a superb tennis player, among the best in the world in the 1950s and '60s.
He competed at all of the Grand Slams, as both a singles and doubles player.
However, he is arguably best known for his doubles — winning the mixed doubles title at Roland Garros in 1955.
He also reached the finals of the men’s doubles at Roland Garros in 1963, partnered with his long-time friend, Abe Segal. Forbes also represented SA, in many Davis Cup ties, during that period.
Once he hung up his racquet, Forbes carved out a second career as a best-selling author, writing arguably the best ever book on tennis — A Handful of Summers. He followed this up with two more well received books — Too Soon to Panic and I’ll Take the Sunny Side.
“Gordon Forbes’ passing marks the end of an era. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Forbes family and Gordon’s many friends at this very difficult time,” Tennis SA said.
Former World No 1 and four-time Wimbledon champion American Billie Jean King was one of the first to pay tribute.
“Gordon Forbes was a terrific South African tennis player, and also a gifted writer. I loved his book on tennis 'A Handful of Summers'.
“Our condolences to his son Gavin and the rest of his family.”
Tennis world mourns Gordon Forbes’ passing
Image: Wikipedia
Tennis South Africa, and the wider local and international tennis community, are mourning the loss of Gordon Forbes, who passed away in Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday, at the age of 86.
A famous ex-player and author, Forbes was also a former board member and President of the South African Tennis Union — now Tennis South Africa.
Born on a farm near Burgersdorp in the Eastern Cape in 1934, Forbes was a superb tennis player, among the best in the world in the 1950s and '60s.
He competed at all of the Grand Slams, as both a singles and doubles player.
However, he is arguably best known for his doubles — winning the mixed doubles title at Roland Garros in 1955.
He also reached the finals of the men’s doubles at Roland Garros in 1963, partnered with his long-time friend, Abe Segal. Forbes also represented SA, in many Davis Cup ties, during that period.
Once he hung up his racquet, Forbes carved out a second career as a best-selling author, writing arguably the best ever book on tennis — A Handful of Summers. He followed this up with two more well received books — Too Soon to Panic and I’ll Take the Sunny Side.
“Gordon Forbes’ passing marks the end of an era. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Forbes family and Gordon’s many friends at this very difficult time,” Tennis SA said.
Former World No 1 and four-time Wimbledon champion American Billie Jean King was one of the first to pay tribute.
“Gordon Forbes was a terrific South African tennis player, and also a gifted writer. I loved his book on tennis 'A Handful of Summers'.
“Our condolences to his son Gavin and the rest of his family.”
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South African-born Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said Forbes had offered him great support during his career.
“Thinking of the great Gordon Forbes. I will be forever grateful for his support. I cared for him deeply.
“Gordon’s life was full of accomplishments, too many to list. A Handful of Summers is my favourite book of all time. My thoughts are with Gordon’s family at this sad time.”
— Tennis SA
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