carlo, the point about collins is that he is making a general point about prestige ie wembley and us pro were over years the 2 most prestigous (the french dissappeared for more years than the other 2); he is not specifically referring to 1963. In 1963 with laver, rosewall hoad and gonzales in the us field you have the four great pros of the era anyway. Once laver joined in 1963 all 3 had strong fields every year; the absences of hoad say in 1965 from all 3 does not matter. Laver and rosewall won every major from 1963 onwards and were completely dominant. no other pro was ever a legitmate candidate for the top 2 spots. I admit all the sources I have are anglo saxon, but its clear aussies, brits and americans all had the same view - ie wembley and us pro the best. Its probably a bit unfair on the french, but the french pro needs other supporters beyond its compatriots.

jeffreyneave 16 sept 2008