James Outram Anderson (17 September 1894 – 22 December 1973), commonly known as J.O. Anderson, was an Australian tennis player.
Personal life Anderson was the eighth child of James Outram Anderson and his wife Patience (née Laycock). He was educated at Camden Grammar School.
He married Maud Irene Whitfield (died 1955) on 24 March 1917. They had five children. He married a widow, Mabel Little, on 18 November 1957. Anderson died on 22 December 1973 at Gosford. He was survived by his second wife, as well as the son and four daughters of his first marriage.
In 2013, Anderson was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Career Anderson is best remembered for his three victories at his home tournament: the Australasian Championships in 1922, 1924 and 1925. Anderson also won the doubles tournament at the 1922 Wimbledon Championships and 1924 Australian Championships. He was celebrated in Australia for his mascot, a large toy kangaroo which he brought on court.
Between 1919 and 1925 Anderson played in 15 ties for the Australian Davis Cup team and compiled a record of 28 wins and 8 losses.
From 1929 to 1934, Anderson had an endorsement deal with the Alexander Patent Racket Company in Launceston, Tasmania, to produce a range of 'J.O. Anderson' tennis racquets.
Playing Style Anderson's best shot was his forehand drive, which he hit with very little topspin. He mastered this shot to compensate for his weak backhand shot. Anderson was nicknamed 'The Greyhound' for his quickness on the tennis court.
Grand Slam finals
Singles: 3 titles ResultYearChampionshipSurfaceOpponentScoreWin 1922 Australasian Championships Grass Gerald Patterson 6–0, 3–6, 3–6, 6–3, 6–2Win 1924 Australasian Championships Grass Richard Schlesinger 6–3, 6–4, 3–6, 5–7, 6–3Win 1925 Australasian Championships Grass Gerald Patterson 11–9, 2–6, 6–2, 6–3
Doubles: 6 (2 titles, 4 runners-up) ResultYearChampionship SurfacePartnerOpponentsScoreLoss 1919 Australasian Championships Grass Arthur Lowe Pat O'Hara Wood Ronald Thomas 5–7, 1–6, 9–7, 6–3, 3–6Loss 1922 Australasian Championships Grass Norman Peach John Hawkes Gerald Patterson 10–8, 0–6, 0–6, 5–7Win 1922 Wimbledon Grass Randolph Lycett Pat O'Hara Wood Gerald Patterson 3–6, 7–9, 6–4, 6–3, 11–9Win 1924 Australasian Championships Grass Norman Brookes Pat O'Hara Wood Gerald Patterson 6–2, 6–4, 6–3Loss 1925 Australasian Championships Grass Fred Kalms Pat O'Hara Wood Gerald Patterson 4–6, 6–8, 5–7Loss 1926 Australasian Championships Grass Pat O'Hara Wood John Hawkes Gerald Patterson 1–6, 4–6, 2–6
References
External links
Australian Dictionary of Biography – Anderson, James Outram (1894–1973)