Rod Laver is a retired Australian tennis player, widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport's history. Born on August 9, 1938, he is the only player to have won all four major singles titles—Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open—in the same calendar year twice, first in 1962 and again in 1969. Laver turned professional in 1963, which limited his participation in major tournaments until 1968 when the Open Era began. Throughout his career, he won a total of 11 Grand Slam singles titles and was known for his exceptional skill, versatility, and sportsmanship on the court.