Roger Taylor, born on October 14, 1941, in Sheffield, England, is a former British tennis player renowned for his achievements in the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his powerful serve and deft volleying skills, Taylor made significant contributions to British tennis during his career.
🎾 Career Highlights
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Grand Slam Semifinals: Taylor reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 1967, 1970, and 1973, showcasing his prowess on grass courts.
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US Open Doubles Champion: He clinched back-to-back men's doubles titles at the US Open in 1971 and 1972, partnering with John Newcombe and Cliff Drysdale, respectively.
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Davis Cup Success: Taylor played a pivotal role in Great Britain’s Davis Cup team during the 1960s and 1970s, contributing significantly to the team’s successes, including reaching the final in 1978.
🎬 The James Bond Audition
In his autobiography, The Man Who Saved Wimbledon, Taylor reveals an intriguing chapter from his life: he was once considered to replace Sean Connery as James Bond. Following his impressive performance in the 1967 Queen’s Club final, Hollywood took notice. The wife of Bond scriptwriter Richard Maybourne suggested Taylor for the role. Despite having no acting experience, Taylor entertained the offer and even practiced mimicking Bond. However, the casting process was cut short when his wife Frances, a Scottish Baptist, disapproved of a key swimsuit audition necessary for the role, effectively halting his chances. The part eventually went to Australian model George Lazenby.
🧓 Later Years and Legacy
After retiring from professional tennis in 1983, Taylor remained active in the sport. He served as Great Britain's Davis Cup captain from 2000 to 2004 and continued to compete in senior tournaments. In 2019, he teamed up with Australia's Gordon Waygood to win the Men's 75 Doubles title at the British Open Seniors Clay Court Championships.
📚 Recent Publication
Taylor's autobiography, The Man Who Saved Wimbledon, co-authored with Marcus Buckland, was released on June 30, 2025. The book delves into his tennis career, personal life, and the intriguing story of his near-miss with becoming James Bond.