From: Vegas USA
Born: 01 Aug 1921
Career: 1939-1950
Played: Right-handed (one-handed backhand)
Peak rank: 1 (1948)
Major singles titles: 3
Total singles titles: 10

The year 1947 and one of Kramer’s most notable accomplishments in 1947 was his triumph at Wimbledon. Against the backdrop of post-war Europe, Kramer’s Wimbledon had another first… the first man to do so in shorts! Before this they all wore long trousers. This alone ushered in a a new era in tennis. He defeated Tom Brown in the final, showcasing his powerful serve–volley. Kramer also won the US National Championships (now known as the US Open) in 1947. He defeated Frank Parker in the final, further cementing his status as one of the top players in the world.

At Wimbledon he received a handshake from the Royal Family but later on Kramer’s later return to Wimbledon, as a spectator and commentator, saw him refused entry. This exclusion was a stark reminder of the strict amateurism that dominated tennis at the time. And outside the ground he could not even get a taxi. He was ranked number 1 and almost broke at the same time. Only a year after his singles title, in 1948 Kramer returned to Wimbledon to watch his childhood friend, Ted Schroeder. Few places at the All England Club are off limits to former champions, but Kramer was not allowed to visit the men’s locker room. The sentiment against professionals was more powerful than the club’s traditional hospitality toward past winners. Later in 1973 Wimbledon asked the BBC to sack Kramer as a commentator.

Jack Kramer was one of the first players to turn professional. This meant after 1947 he was barred from grand slams until tennis itself changed in 1968. The establishment hates people who bring about a revolution.

It took until 1997 for Wimbledon to invite Kramer back for the 50th anniversary of his historic win..

Jack Kramer: The Catalyst for Change in Tennis

In the annals of tennis history, few figures stand as tall as Jack Kramer, not just for his physical stature but for his monumental impact on the sport. Known for his powerful serve-and-volley game, Kramer was not only a Wimbledon champion but also a pivotal figure in transforming tennis from a pastime for amateurs into a professional sport.

Early Career and 1946

Kramer, like many of the best male athletes of his day, had his tennis career interrupted by World War II. After serving in the Coast Guard, Kramer was mustered out in January 1946. The Wimbledon held in 1946 would be the first after competition had been suspended in 1940.

Foremost in his mind was returning to tennis. That meant going back to work for Wilson sporting goods at $75 a week. The job was in meat packing at a firm owned by Wilson and required Kramer to move in and out of refrigerated rooms. He kept getting a cold. Such was his tennis prowess that Wilson agreed to pay Kramer but not make him do the work.

That gave him the freedom to play tennis again. Kramer practiced for the next major tournament, Wimbledon, using a racket developed during the war. The new racket had a different butt to the handle, one that had a ridge.

Kramer wasn’t used to it, but was so engrossed in playing again he paid little attention to a growing problem.

After a few months’ training, Kramer prepared to sail to England. To bring his wife, Gloria, with him, Kramer had to sell his car. Also it was common to go by boat, a trip that would take almost a week.

Upon arriving, Kramer entered Queens, the traditional Wimbledon warmup tournament. He was playing well, almost at his former level, but an increasingly painful blister on the palm of his right hand was troubling him. It was the spot where the new handle butt had rubbed away layers of skin. Kramer had to default to save his hand for Wimbledon.

Kramer arrived at the All England Club seeded No. 2. Tucked into his equipment bag were six gray kidskin ladies’ gloves, right hand only, with the fingertips trimmed off. These he would wear for the duration of the tournament every time he played.

The blister hampered Kramer’s play in singles, where he lost in the round of 16. Kramer was able to continue in doubles, which he won with Tom Brown.

The Professional Revolution (Late 1940s – 1950s)

Kramer’s decision to turn professional in 1947 was a bold move that sent ripples across the sports world. At a time when amateurism was the norm, his shift to the professional ranks was revolutionary. Kramer understood that trophies, no matter how prestigious, couldn’t pay the bills.He didn’t just play; he promoted. Kramer organized a professional tour, drawing massive crowds, even amidst snowstorms, to venues like Madison Square Garden. His business acumen led him to recruit top players from around the world like Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall, offering them unprecedented contracts. Australians like Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall, Lew Hoad and Pancho Gonzales.were among those who couldn’t resist his offers.

Having turned pro he played out his prime tennis years barred from Grand Slam tournaments, which allowed only amateurs until the open era began in 1968. By that time he had retired from tennis due to injury in 1957.

Shaping the Modern Game (1960s – 1970s)

As the 1960s approached, Kramer’s influence extended beyond his playing career. He was instrumental in the transition to Open Era tennis in 1968, allowing professionals to compete in Grand Slam tournaments. In 1970, he became the founding father of the International Grand Prix circuit, creating a structured tournament series that remains influential in today’s tennis world. By the 1970s, as the first Executive Director of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Kramer was instrumental in uniting players to demand better financial conditions. His leadership during the 1973 Wimbledon boycott, where top players protested the exclusion of Yugoslavian player Niki Pilic, was a testament to his commitment to players’ rights. This movement cemented the shift toward a professional, player-driven sport.

In 1973, Nikki Pilic of Yugoslavia was suspended by his federation for refusing to play in the Davis Cup. Pilic said he had a contractual obligation to play another event and wouldn’t break the contract. In retaliation, the International Tennis Federation asked the Grand Slam tournaments to ban Pilic. The All England Club was the only one of the four to comply. Pilic was forbidden to enter Wimbledon. Kramer was executive director of the ATP and the ATP called for a boycott of Wimbledon. Seventy-eight players arrived at Wimbledon but didn’t hit a ball. The Club exacted its revenge the next year, when it renegotiated its television contract with the BBC. The Club demanded and got approval of the commentators. Kramer, who had done commentary for the BBC for 13 years, was not approved by the All England Club. Kramer was dismissed by the BBC. “You forget about it after a while,” Kramer said, sounding unconvincing.

Style of Play

Powerful Serve-and-Volley Game

Kramer’s playing style was epitomized by his powerful serve-and-volley game. He possessed a massive serve that was both fast and accurate, allowing him to gain an early advantage in points. His serve was often followed by a quick rush to the net, where he would employ his aggressive volleying skills to finish points swiftly. This strategy was particularly effective on the fast grass courts of Wimbledon, where his serve-and-volley approach could overwhelm opponents.

Aggressive Net Play

Kramer’s net play was a key component of his success. He had a knack for anticipating his opponent’s shots and positioning himself perfectly to intercept and return them with precision. His volleys were not just defensive; they were offensive weapons that he used to dictate the pace and direction of the match. Kramer’s ability to hit powerful and well-placed volleys made it extremely difficult for his opponents to pass him or outmaneuver him at the net.

Relentless Attacking Tactics

Kramer’s playing style was defined by his relentless attacking tactics. He believed in taking the initiative and putting pressure on his opponents from the very first point. His aggressive approach often forced his opponents into making errors or playing defensively, which played into his strengths. Kramer’s ability to maintain this high level of intensity throughout a match was a testament to his physical fitness and mental fortitude.

Innovative “Big Game” Approach

Kramer’s innovative “Big Game” approach revolutionized the way tennis was played. He was one of the first players to consistently attack the net and serve with such power and precision. This style of play, which emphasized taking risks and going for winners, was a departure from the more conservative, baseline-oriented strategies that were common at the time. Kramer’s “Big Game” approach inspired future generations of players, including legends like John McEnroe, who adopted and refined this aggressive style.

Adaptability and Versatility

While Kramer was known for his serve-and-volley game, he was also versatile and adaptable. He could adjust his strategy based on the surface and the opponent. On slower surfaces, he would mix in more groundstrokes and use his powerful forehand to dictate play from the baseline. His ability to adapt and vary his game made him a formidable opponent on any surface.

Mental Toughness and Competitive Spirit

Kramer’s playing style was underpinned by his mental toughness and competitive spirit. He was known for his ability to stay focused and composed under pressure. His determination and will to win were evident in his relentless pursuit of victory, even when facing formidable opponents like Pancho Gonzalez and Ken Rosewall. Kramer’s competitive spirit was not just about winning; it was about pushing the boundaries of what was possible in tennis.

Beyond the Court

Kramer’s influence extended beyond tennis courts. His endorsement of the Wilson Kramer racket revolutionized equipment sales, and his ventures into golf course ownership and racehorse breeding showcased his entrepreneurial spirit.As a broadcaster, Kramer excelled as a television analyst, connecting with audiences in both the US and the UK. He worked 14 Wimbledon’s for the BBC and covered numerous US Championships and Opens, describing his role as being a “professor of tennis.”In his personal life, Kramer married Gloria in 1944 and had five sons. He spent his later years focusing on his golf courses in Los Angeles, though his impact on tennis remained his lasting legacy.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Jack Kramer passed away in 2009, but his legacy endures. The sport of tennis, with its lucrative tournaments and professional athletes, owes much to his efforts. He was a trailblazer whose life was a testament to the power of vision and determination.Kramer’s contributions to tennis were profound, extending far beyond the court. His efforts helped transform tennis into the professional sport it is today, ensuring that players are compensated fairly for their talent. As a visionary, leader, and champion, Kramer’s legacy in tennis is unmatched.The All England Club now recognizes his vital role in promoting professional tennis, a fitting tribute to a man who was once considered an outsider. Despite champions who may have played at a higher level, none matched Kramer’s influence across the sport. His story continues to inspire players and fans alike, confirming his place as a pivotal figure in the history of tennis.

Kramer was a formidable champion, capturing the US Championship twice at Forest Hills in 1946 and 1947 and winning Wimbledon in 1947 with a powerful and aggressive style. He dominated the professional tour in the late 1940s and early 1950s, simultaneously playing and promoting the tour until injuries shortened his competitive career in 1953.

However Kramers story reminds us that it is never easy to change a system. He changes the attire, he changed pay (from amatuer to pro), he changes the way players were respected. For a while he was hated, precisely because he was the agent of change. It took 50 years for Jack Kramer to be fully embraced by the tennis world

This famous photograph shows Royal Princess (left) and her mother, the Queen Mother (Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon) and King George VI.with Jack Kramer (on the right) holding the Wilmbeldon trophy in 1947. Weeks later Kramer was turned away from the gates of Wimbledon.