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Watch: Gardnar Mulloy Tribute Video With Koz



Hall of Fame legend Gardnar Mulloy passed away on Monday night. He was 102 year years old and only one week shy of celebrating his 103rd birthday. 

The International Tennis Hall of Fame announced the Grand Slam doubles champion's passing. Read Mulloy's Hall of Fame biography here.

Watch: Top 5 Men's Seasons of Open Era

In the video tribute above, Mulloy discusses his life and career with noted tennis broadcaster and good friend Dave "Koz" Kozlowski.

Mulloy's longevity as a competitive player was astounding.

Mulloy first broke into the American Top 10 at age 26 in 1939, and he was still playing on the senior circuit into his nineties. Mulloy was a major champion five times in doubles, with four of his victories at the U.S. Nationals.

Mulloy, served in the Navy during World War II.  He was 31 when the war ended, and his tennis career had gotten started.

In 1957, he partnered with Budge Patty to win the Wimbledon doubles title in a stunning upset over Australia's Lew Hoad and Neale Fraser, who were the tournament's top seeds.

Mulloy was a dedicated Davis Cup competitor for the United States, and was a member of the championship teams in 1946, 1948, and 1949. After his competitive career ended, Mulloy remained highly engaged in the sport, winning well over 100 national tournaments. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1972.

"Gardnar was a real treasure to our sport. He was an incredible athlete in a variety of sports, but he chose tennis and went on to become among the very best in the world," said Stan Smith, president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. "He was a five-time major champion in doubles, but his longevity in the game was a huge part of what made him such a legend.

"He was playing competitively into his nineties, and loving every minute of it. His personality was as charismatic off the court as he was fiery on it. He was always great fun to be around and he will be missed."

A centenarian with a dynamic personality, Mulloy lived a remarkable life.

Read more about his 1957 Wimbledon doubles victory, rigorously healthy lifestyle, and his brushes with royalty and Presidents in this Miami Herald obituary. 

Photo credit: Koz Kozlowski

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