Which tennis player had the nickname "The Rocket"?

The tennis player nicknamed “The Rocket” was Rod Laver. The Australian legend received the nickname from Australian Davis Cup captain Harry Hopman, who also helped guide his early career.

Laver was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1938 and became one of tennis’s most accomplished players. He won 11 major singles titles and is the only man to complete a calendar-year Grand Slam during the Open Era, winning the Australian, French, Wimbledon, and US championships in 1969. He had already completed an amateur Grand Slam in 1962.

The nickname is often expanded to “The Rockhampton Rocket,” linking Laver to his birthplace. It referred to his speed, attacking tennis, and explosive movement, although the contrast between the nickname and his relatively small frame also became part of the story. The nickname should not be confused with “Rocket” nicknames used by athletes in other sports, such as Maurice Richard or Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Melbourne Park’s main Australian Open stadium is named Rod Laver Arena in his honour.