1. Josip Palada was hired as a ball boy by the doctors of the clinic.
15 Facts About Josip Palada
1. 2.
Josip Palada's talent was discovered by doctor of rheumatology Drago Cop, later a Davis Cup captain and president of the Yugoslav Tennis Association.
3.
Josip Palada began practising with "Star" racquets on a daily basis.
4.
Josip Palada was a self-taught player and trained by playing squash alone.
5.
Josip Palada began working as a state official in the meantime.
6.
Josip Palada debuted in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia Davis Cup team in 1933.
7.
Josip Palada won tournaments in Bombay, including the India International Championships in Calcutta, and Allahabad; in the latter final he defeated Franjo Puncec and won the championship of India.
8.
In 1937 Josip Palada traveled to South Africa, where he became the champion of the South African international tournament.
9.
Josip Palada became a worldwide sensation in 1938, visiting and winning in various continents such as the Irish Open, where he partnered with George Lyttleton-Rogers in the men's doubles, and the Scandinavia covered courts championship in Helsinki, teaming with Puncec.
10.
Josip Palada even competed in Buenos Aires, in the championships of South America, and was runner-up, losing the final to Puncec.
11.
At the 1938 French championships, Josip Palada beat Ladislav Hecht and Christian Boussus before losing in the semi-finals to Don Budge.
12.
In 1940 Josip Palada won, among many championships, the National Championship of Denmark in Copenhagen.
13.
Josip Palada retired from tennis in 1956 at the age of 44.
14.
Josip Palada went on to a successful career as coach and teacher, transferring his rich experience to younger generations.
15.
Josip Palada was later appointed the official selector and captain and trainer of the Davis Cup team of his country.