Australian players dominated men's tennis throughout the 1950s and 1960s - and John Newcombe was one of the last of the golden era to emerge.

Born in Sydney on May 23rd 1944, John Newcombe was Australia's junior champion for three years before graduating to the Davis Cup team which won the world team trophy in 1964.

Before enjoying his considerable singles success, Newcombe formed a formidable doubles partnership with compatriot Tony Roche and the duo went on to take 12 Grand Slam titles as a pair.

As an individual, John Newcombe's big breakthrough was in 1967 when he won the US Open and Wimbledon, losing only four games in the final at the All England Club against Wilhelm Bungert.

That began a run of three victories in five years at Wimbledon for Newcombe, who was then banned from defending his crown in 1972, having joined a professional circuit. The following year, Newcombe was a leading supporter of the tournament's famous boycott.

However, he did enjoy success in 1973, capturing the Australian Open for the first time and adding a second US Open to his tally.

The last of Newcombe's seven Grand Slam singles triumphs came at the Australian Open in 1975 - as he was beaten in the final 12 months later by compatriot Mark Edmondson. He only once reached the quarter-finals of the French Open, as clay did not suit his game as well as grass.

John Newcombe went on to serve as president of the ATP and after his retirement was a captain of Australia's Davis Cup team.