Budge Patty, an American tennis player, left an indelible mark on the sport with his remarkable achievements and career milestones. Born Edward John Patty in Fort Smith, Arkansas, he rose to prominence in the post-World War II era, becoming a world No. 1 player and winning two Grand Slam singles titles in 1950. His journey through the tennis world is a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for the game.
Early Life and Introduction to Tennis
Edward John Patty, known as Budge
Patty, was born on February 11, 1924, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. His family moved to Los Angeles during his childhood, where he attended Los Angeles High School. Patty's nickname, "Budge," was given by his brother due to his perceived lethargy, which humorously referred to his "failure to budge." Despite this, Patty showed early promise in tennis, practicing with Pauline Betz and winning the Los Angeles novice championships at the age of 13.
Encouraged by Betz, Patty took lessons at the Beverly Hills Tennis Club, where he was discovered by Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor. Their financial support allowed him to compete in national junior championships, where he triumphed in the under-15 national championships in 1939 and later won both singles and doubles titles at the under-18 tournament.
Career Highlights and Grand Slam Victories
After serving in the US Army during World War II, Patty returned to tennis and partnered with Betz to win the mixed doubles title at the 1946 French Championships. His first major singles title came in 1950 at the French Championships, where he won three consecutive matches in five sets, including the final against Jaroslav Drobný. Patty's success continued at Wimbledon the same year, where he defeated Frank Sedgman in four sets.
Patty's victories in the French Open and Wimbledon in 1950 made him the second American male player to achieve the Channel Slam, a feat only matched by a few others, including Don Budge and Tony Trabert. His achievements earned him the amateur world No. 1 ranking by John Olliff of The Daily Telegraph.
Later Career and Legacy
Patty continued to compete at a high level, reaching the third round of the 1953 Wimbledon Championships in a grueling five-set match against Drobný. Despite losing, the match was notable for its length and intensity. In 1957, Patty won the Wimbledon men's doubles title with Gardnar Mulloy, defeating top seeds Lew Hoad and Neale Fraser.
Patty retired from professional tennis in 1960, having won over 70 singles titles throughout his career. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1977, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's greats. Patty's journey from a young player in Los Angeles to a world-renowned tennis champion is a story of perseverance and excellence.
