This Is Your Life: John Newcombe

This rare television moment, preserved by the NFSA from the two-inch broadcast videotape master, brings together three giants of 1970s tennis.

Hosted by Roger Climpson, this 1977 episode of the long-running series This Is Your Life pays tribute to John Newcombe, one of Australia’s most successful and versatile champions, with surprise appearances from Ken Rosewall and Jimmy Connors.

Rosewall, whose remarkable career featured 35 major finals and 8 Grand Slam singles titles, reflects on Newcombe’s determination and the era they helped define. Connors adds his own perspective as a fierce rival, noting that despite their long careers, they met in only one Grand Slam final: the 1975 Australian Open.

With his trademark handlebar moustache, broad grin and natural charisma, ‘Newk’ became one of Australian sport’s most high-profile personalities. This excerpt also features several examples of his iconic post-game net jumps. The winner of 26 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles and mixed doubles, his record places him among the game’s greatest players.

Newcombe retired from professional tennis in 1981 but remained heavily involved in the sport, captaining the Australian Davis Cup team to victory (1999) and working in commentary for many years. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1986.  

Produced by Lifetime Associates Pty Ltd, this piece offers us a glimpse into the mutual respect shared among champions who pushed each other to be better.