![Rex Hartwig poses with his bronze bust as he is inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame at Rod Laver Arena during Australian Open 2016 at Melbourne Park; Getty Images](https://www.tennis.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HArtwig-287x465.jpg)
PLAYER PROFILE
Rex Hartwig
- Age94
- Born 2 September 1929
- Birth PlaceCulcairn, NSW
- Playing StatusRetired
- Australian Tennis Hall Of Fame2016
Known as the “Wrecker” for his demolition jobs on opponents, his perfectly timed groundstrokes, and his crisp and accurate volleys, Hartwig won the Wimbledon doubles title twice: in 1954 with Mervyn Rose and in 1955 with Lew Hoad.
He won the doubles in Australia and New York in 1953 (w/Rose).
Hartwig was blocked by Hoad and Ken Rosewall from many singles titles, but still won his share and was ranked in the world’s top 10.
He was runner-up to Rose in the 1954 Australian singles and to Vic Seixas in the US singles.
Legendary Davis Cup captain Harry Hopman described Hartwig as a great stylist.
He played in eight ties from 1953 to 1955, compiling a 12-1 win–loss record: 6-0 singles, 6-1 doubles.
He turned professional in 1955 aged 26, but after several years returned to his farm near Albury.
Rex Hartwig in the news
![Rex Hartwig is inducted in the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame in 2016; Getty Images Rex Hartwig is inducted in the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame in 2016; Getty Images](https://www.tennis.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-506811376-1-700x450.jpg)
The Australian tennis community is mourning the passing of Rex Hartwig, a multiple Grand Slam doubles champion who featured in a golden era for the sport.
![Mervyn Rose Mervyn Rose. Tennis Australia](https://www.tennis.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Mervyn-Rose-700x450.jpg)
The tennis family is mourning the passing of seven-time Grand Slam champion Mervyn Rose AM.
![A general view over Melbourne Park during Australian Open 2015; Getty Images A general view over Melbourne Park during Australian Open 2015; Getty Images](https://www.tennis.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/AO-summer-2-700x450.jpg)
With the countdown to the Australian Open officially on, fine weather is set to feature at the year's first Grand Slam event.
![Tennis-balls Tennis-balls](https://www.tennis.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Tennis-balls-700x450.jpg)
Australian tennis great Rex Hartwig will be inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame at Australian Open 2016.