Rod Laver

Rod 'The Rocket' Laver is the only player in history to achieve the calendar Grand Slam twice – as an amateur in 1962 and again as a professional in 1969. His total of 11 major titles is deceptively low, as he was barred from competing in Grand Slams during his prime five years (1963-1967) due to the professional-amateur divide. Laver was a supremely skilled left-hander known for his powerful serve, aggressive volleying, and heavy topspin forehand. He excelled on all surfaces, from grass to clay, and his 1969 Grand Slam remains one of the sport's most monumental feats. Many historians consider him the greatest player of the pre-Open Era and argue that, with open competition, his major tally would be significantly higher.