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Rod Laver and Roger Federer - Source: Photosport -
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As Roger Federer hurtles towards a record 15 Grand Slam singles titles the tag of greatest player of all time is often attached to the stylish Swiss.
And when the inevitable historical comparisons are made, one
player that often comes up in conversation in Australian Rod
Laver.
Click here
to watch the story of the 1968 Wimbledon final
Laver collected 11 grand slams between 1960 and 1969 in a spectacular career that include two calendar slams.
Split
Back in 1963 the advent of professional tennis saw a pronounced split in the game and the players that chose to serve for pay were barred from competing at the major tournaments.
The professional troupe (which included Laver and Ken Rosewall) were not readmitted until 1968.
In his first year back at Wimbledon Laver made it all the way to the final, where he faced another left-handed Australian in Tony Roche.
The 29-year-old top seed Laver was bidding for his third title at the All-England club (after winning in 1961 and 1962) while 15th seed Roche, who was six years his junior, was in his first decider at Wimbledon though he had won at Roland Garros in 1966.
Marathon semi
Roche, who has since coached Federer and Lleyton Hewitt among many others, had endured a marathon semi-final and struggled to stay with the experienced Laver from the start.
The 'Rockhampton Rocket' wrapped up the first set 6-3 and then took the second 6-4.
Roche fought hard but like many of his contemporaries found it hard to contain Laver's superb serve and volley game.
When Laver won the third set 6-2 the match was over in just 60 minutes and the Australian legend had his seventh grand slam title.
He also became the first man since Fred Perry back in the 1930's to win three titles on the hallowed turf in London.
In coming back from a five-year hiatus, Laver confirmed the legend and for many remains the greatest player ever to pick up a racket.
