Most ATP players dream of winning one Davis Cup title during their careers, let alone multiple.
For Roy Emerson, this dream became a reality in 1959 when he helped Australia win their 15th Davis Cup title and an eighth consecutive title since 1950.
Emerson, who won 12 Grand Slam singles titles during his career, is a legend of the sport – one of only four players to complete a double career Grand Slam in singles.
Moreover, the Australian [pictured below far right] became an icon of the Davis Cup long before his retirement in 1983.
Roy Emerson won eight Davis Cup titles
Between 1959 and 1967, Roy Emerson won a record eight Davis Cup titles.
The Australian, who won more Grand Slams than compatriot Rod Laver, won four of his eight titles consecutively, between 1959 and 1962.
Emerson, who won all of his Davis Cup titles under the tutelage of legendary coach Harry Hopman, won four more consecutive titles between 1964 and 1967.
| Year | Opponent in Final | Score |
| 1959 | United States | 3-2 |
| 1960 | Italy | 4-1 |
| 1961 | Italy | 5-0 |
| 1962 | Mexico | 5-0 |
| 1964 | United States | 3-2 |
| 1965 | Spain | 4-1 |
| 1966 | India | 4-1 |
| 1967 | Spain | 4-1 |
Emerson was prevented from winning nine consecutive Davis Cup titles by the 1963 US team, who defeated Australia 3-2 in the final.
It must be noted that Emerson and the Australian Davis Cup team benefited from the Challenger Round rule throughout this period.
The Challenger Round rule gave the defending Davis Cup champions a bye to the final of the following tournament.
This rule was abandoned after the 1971 tournament.
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Roy Emerson’s 28 Grand Slam titles
Roy Emerson was a remarkable player, one who found himself at ease when playing both singles and doubles.
The Australian is well known for his singles success, having won six Australian Open titles and two titles at the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
In doubles, Emerson was even more successful, winning 16 Grand Slam events across his career.
Emerson won his first major at the 1960 French Open, winning the Men’s Doubles title. In 1971, he won his last – the 1971 Wimbledon Men’s Doubles title.
