The AELTC was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Alex Olmedo and Gordon Forbes, two greatly significant figures in the history of tennis.

Olmedo, who was born and raised in Peru, travelled to the USA as a teenager and quickly established himself as one of the leading players in the country. Such was his prowess that the American Davis Cup team insisted that Olmedo be brought on board, given Peru had no such team.

Olmedo's most succesful year came in 1959, when he won the Australian Open and the Gentlemen's Singles at Wimbledon, beating Rod Laver in straight sets in the Final. He remains the only man born in South America to win the Gentlemen's Singles at The Championships.

Gordon Forbes, who was born in South Africa, was most regularly seen on court alongside his doubles partner Abe Segal, with whom he enjoyed an excellent career.

The duo's best performance at The Championships came in 1963, when they reached the semi-finals. Forbes did already have a Grand Slam title to his name at that point, having triumphed at Roland-Garros in 1955 alongside Darlene Hard in the mixed doubles.

After his retirement, Forbes turned his hand to tennis writing, which he also excelled at, authoring three books about his experiences as a player.

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of both men.