Ivan Lendl was born on March 7, 1960, in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), into a tennis-playing family, with both of his parents being competitive players.
Lendl turned professional in 1978 and quickly established himself as one of the top players on the ATP Tour, known for his powerful and consistent baseline game.
He won his first Grand Slam title at the 1984 French Open, coming back from two sets down to defeat John McEnroe in one of the most memorable finals in tennis history.
Ivan Lendl held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 270 weeks during his career, the third-longest in ATP history at the time, behind Pete Sampras and Roger Federer.
He is one of only a few players to have won eight or more Grand Slam singles titles, including three French Open titles, three US Open titles, and two Australian Open titles.
Ivan Lendl is often credited with popularizing the use of a heavy topspin forehand, which became a hallmark of his game and influenced the style of play in the modern era.
He was known for his intense training regimen and meticulous preparation, often referred to as one of the first 'modern' professional tennis players due to his approach to fitness and nutrition.
Lendl reached the Wimbledon final twice (1986 and 1987) but never won the prestigious title, one of the few gaps in his otherwise stellar career.
He was a key figure in the rivalry with players like John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, and Boris Becker, with many epic matches defining the tennis landscape of the 1980s.
Lendl was known for his stoic demeanor on the court, rarely showing emotion, which earned him the nickname 'The Terminator' for his clinical and unemotional approach to matches.
After retiring from professional tennis, Lendl took up golf and became an accomplished amateur golfer, competing in several tournaments.
Ivan Lendl became a successful coach after his playing career, most notably coaching Andy Murray to three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals.
He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2001, recognizing his contributions and achievements in the sport.
Lendl's influence on the game extended beyond his own career, as he mentored and inspired many younger players who admired his professionalism and dedication.
Despite his intense focus on winning, Lendl has been described as having a dry sense of humor and a passion for practical jokes, surprising those who knew him primarily for his on-court intensity.
