Aussie Tennis Legend Mal Anderson, First Unseeded US Open Champion, Dies At 91

Last Updated:May 11, 2026, 12:09 IST

Australian tennis great Mal Anderson, the first unseeded men’s US Open champion, has died aged 91, leaving behind a legacy as both a star player and mentor.

Mal Anderson, the first unseeded player to win the men’s singles title at the US Open, has died aged 91, Tennis Australia confirmed on Monday.

Anderson’s rise remains one of the sport’s great underdog stories. Born and raised on a farm, he first learned the game on a dirt court before climbing all the way to the top of world tennis during Australia’s golden era.

His defining moment came in 1957, when he stunned the field at what was then known as the United States Championships — now known as the US Open.

Entering the tournament unseeded, Anderson beat three seeded opponents and dropped only two sets on his way to the title, becoming the first man ever to win the event without a seed.

He received the trophy from then-US vice president Richard Nixon alongside women’s champion Althea Gibson, another trailblazer of the sport.

Anderson’s success was not limited to singles. He also captured three Grand Slam doubles titles and played a key role in Australia’s dominance of the Davis Cup, helping the country win the competition twice.

Even after retirement, Anderson remained deeply connected to Australian tennis. He became a respected mentor to several future stars, including Pat Rafter, Wally Masur, John Fitzgerald and Scott Draper.

Rafter, a two-time US Open champion himself, paid an emotional tribute to the man who helped shape his career.

“I was really sad to hear of Mal’s passing. He was one of those people who helped shape my tennis from very early on," Rafter said.

“He was a true legend of the game, but more importantly he was a terrific bloke. Humble, generous with his time and always happy to help younger players along."

“Tennis in Australia has lost one of its greats, and a lot of us have lost a mate and mentor. I feel very lucky to have known him."

Anderson nearly added another major singles title during the Open Era, reaching the final of the 1972 Australian Open after defeating reigning Wimbledon champion John Newcombe before eventually losing to Ken Rosewall.

(with AFP inputs)

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