13 Facts About Gerald Patterson

Gerald Leighton Patterson MC was an Australian tennis player.

Gerald Patterson was born in Melbourne, educated at Scotch College and Trinity Grammar School and died in Melbourne on 13 June 1967.

Gerald Patterson was the co-World No 1 player for 1919 along with Bill Johnston.

At Wimbledon 1919, Patterson beat 41-year-old Norman Brookes, who was defending champion in the Challenge Round.

At Wimbledon 1922, the Challenge Round was abolished and Gerald Patterson won the title beating Randolph Lycett in the final.

In 1927, Gerald Patterson was five championship points down in the Australian singles final against Jack Hawkes, but won in five sets.

Gerald Patterson was known as the "Human Catapult" for his powerful serve that many of the top players had trouble returning.

Gerald Patterson played Davis Cup in 1920,1922,1924,1925,1928 and finally as captain in 1946.

Gerald Patterson was a player ahead of his time, playing with a steel racquet strung with wire in 1925.

Gerald Patterson was inducted into the Sport Australia Home of Fame in December 1986.

Gerald Patterson was the nephew of Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba and father of racing driver Bill Gerald Patterson.

In 1917, Gerald Patterson was awarded the Military Cross for "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty" as an officer in the Royal Field Artillery at Messines.

Gerald Patterson was the first tennis player to play in three Grand Slam singles tournaments within one calendar year.