Ivan Lendl: The incredible story of a three-time US Open champion

The world of tennis and the US Open have many legends, and Ivan Lendl is certainly one of them.

The former champion left his mark on the 80s and has one of the most impressive trophy cabinets in history. Join us to find out more about Lendl's career and his life after tennis.

Lendl was born on 7 March in Ostrava, in what was then Czechoslovakia, to two former top-level tennis players from his native country.

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He enjoyed a successful junior career, winning the French Open and Wimbledon title and reaching World No. 1.

After turning pro, Lendl also started to make a name for himself in the pro circuit, bagging seven titles in 1980.

That same year, he helped Czechoslovakia win the Davis Cup and, in 1981, the World Team Cup. At the time, he was one of the biggest sports stars in his native country.

In 1981, Lendl moved to the United States, becoming a US citizen in July 1992, as documented by Talk Tennis.

It wasn't until 1981 that he made a name for himself in the majors, reaching his first Grand Slam final at Roland Garros, losing in five sets to Swedish icon Björn Borg.

After two more Grand Slam finals and numerous tournament victories, Lendl made tennis history and became world No. 1 in February 1983, a ranking he would hold for 270 weeks.

He confirmed his status at the 1984 French Open, winning his first Grand Slam by beating John McEnroe, one of his greatest rivals during his career. It was the start of an exceptional Grand Slam career for Lendl.

From 1985 to 1987, Lendl won three consecutive US Open titles, adding another two French Open and two Australian Open victories to his tally, bringing his total to eight Grand Slam wins in his career.

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Over the course of his career, Lendl won no fewer than 94 singles titles and 6 doubles titles, making him one of the most successful players in the history of tennis.

His tennis career ended in 1994, when he was forced to retire due to chronic back pain.

Financially, he would never have to worry about anything in his life after tennis, having pocketed no less than $21,262,417 over the course of his playing years, as reported by Tennis World USA.

Lendl's playing style was characterised by power and a running forehand, as reported by Sports Illustrated, with which he was often able to surprise his opponents. Often nicknamed 'Ivan the Terrible' and 'The Father of Modern Tennis', he often played from the baseline, relying on his speed and incredible physical qualities.

After hanging up his racket, Lendl embarked on a coaching career. He coached Andy Murray and helped the Briton win an Olympic gold medal, the US Open and Wimbledon. More recently, he has also coached Alexander Zverev.

Apart from tennis, Lendl is said to be a keen golfer, having taken part in a number of tournaments and helping his daughters with their golfing careers.

Lendl had an exceptional playing career, which placed him among the greatest players the sport has ever known. Where does he rank among your favourites?

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