Tennis South Africa, and the wider local and international tennis community, mourns the loss of Gordon Forbes, who passed away on Wednesday, at the age of 86.
A famous ex-player and author, Forbes was also a former board member and President of the South African Tennis Union – now Tennis South Africa.
Forbes was a superb tennis player, among the best in the world in the 1950s and '60s. He competed at all of the Grand Slams, as both a singles and doubles player. However, he is arguably best known for his doubles – winning the mixed doubles title at Roland Garros in 1955. He also reached the finals of the men’s doubles at Roland Garros in 1963, partnered with his long-time friend, Abe Segal. Forbes also represented South Africa, in many Davis Cup ties, during that period.
Once he hung up his racquet, Forbes carved out a second career as a best-selling author, writing arguably the best ever book on tennis– ‘A Handful of Summers’. He followed this up with two more well received books – ‘Too Soon to Panic’ and ‘I’ll Take the Sunny Side.’
Forbes’ passing marks the end of an era. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Forbes family and Gordon’s many friends at this very difficult time.