One of tennis’ most dominant forces in the 1980s, Ivan Lendl, who turns 56, is on many people’s greatest of all-time list.
Originally from Czechoslokia before becoming a US citizen in 1992, Lendl helped usher in the era of “power tennis” with his strength and heavy topspin from the baseline. During his career, Lendl contested 19 grand slam finals – a record later surpassed by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – and won eight of them.
Before the formation of the ATP, Lendl reached 12 year-end championships – a record he shares with John McEnroe. He reached the world No1 spot for the first time in February 1983 and held that ranking for a total of 270 weeks throughout his career.
He coached Andy Murray to his two grand slam titles in 2012 and 2013.
1952: Viv Richards, retired West Indian cricketer. One of the greatest batsmen of all-time (64).
1957: Mark Richards, Australia surfer who is a four-time world champion (59).
1977: Ronan O’Gara, Ireland’s second most-capped rugby union player. Now coaches Top 14 team Racing 92 (39).
1984: Mathieu Flamini, French footballer who plays as a midfielder for Arsenal in the Premier League (32).