Iván Lendl

Iván Lendl is a retired Czech professional tennis player, born on March 7, 1960, in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Lendl began his professional career in 1978 and quickly rose to prominence, establishing himself as a dominant force in the sport.

Lendl is known for his powerful baseline play, mental strength, and consistent performance. He won eight Grand Slam singles titles and was a finalist in 11 other Grand Slam finals. He held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 270 weeks and finished four years ranked as the world No. 1.

Off the court, Lendl has made significant contributions to the sport as a coach, mentoring players like Andy Murray to Grand Slam victories.

Early Career

• Turned professional in 1978 and quickly made a name for himself on the ATP tour, reaching the French Open quarterfinals in his first year.

Grand Slam Success

• Lendl won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open in 1984. He went on to win a total of eight Grand Slam singles titles, including three at the French Open, three at the US Open, and two at the Australian Open.

World No. 1

• Lendl first reached the world No. 1 ranking in 1983 and held that position for a total of 270 weeks. He finished four years (1985-1987, 1989) ranked as the world No. 1.

Retirement

• Lendl retired from professional tennis in 1994 due to chronic back pain. He left the sport with a total of 94 singles titles, the third-most in the Open Era at the time of his retirement.

Coaching Career

• After retiring, Lendl turned to coaching and helped guide Andy Murray to three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals.

Czechoslovakia Davis Cup Team

• Lendl represented Czechoslovakia in the Davis Cup from 1978 to 1990, helping the team reach the final in 1980.

• Playing Style: Lendl was known for his powerful baseline game, aggressive play, and strong mental fortitude. His fitness and preparation were also key aspects of his success.

• Family: Lendl is married to Samantha Frankel and they have five daughters.

• Iván Lendl is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his impact on the sport of tennis. His powerful baseline game and mental strength revolutionized the sport, and his success as a coach has further solidified his status as a tennis legend.

Grand Slam Titles:

• Eight singles titles

World No. 1 Ranking:

• Held the No. 1 ranking for a total of 270 weeks

ATP Tour Titles:

• Won 94 singles titles, the third-most in the Open Era at the time of his retirement

Books

• Evans, R. (1990) Lendl: Playing the Game. New York: Simon & Schuster.
• Underwood, E. (1986) Ivan Lendl. London: Stanley Paul & Co.

Websites

• ATP Tour: Information about Iván Lendl’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.atptour.com
• International Tennis Hall of Fame: Details about Lendl’s career and influence on the sport. Available at: https://www.tennisfame.com

Articles

• ESPN: Iván Lendl: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com/tennis/player/_/id/360/ivan-lendl
• The Guardian: Iván Lendl’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/ivan-lendl

Interviews and Documentaries

• Lendl vs McEnroe: Fire & Ice (2011): This documentary provides a detailed look at the rivalry between Iván Lendl and John McEnroe, featuring interviews with both players.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Iván Lendl, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com