The Table Tennis 53 - ITTF

In his 1984 autobiography, written with Ronald
Atkin, Perry stated, “I was world champions at
twenty, so I decided to retire while I was still at the
top.” But he continued playing into the 1930s; I
have 4 of his medals including one as late as 1933
when he was, remarkably, “English Table Tennis
Association Consolation Singles Winner”.
In the later chapters, lawn tennis enthusiasts will
find further evidence of Henderson’s immensely thorough
research into Perry’s international success - in
Australia, France and the United States as well as in
the Davis Cup, the equivalent of the Swaythling Cup.
Henderson gives a full chapter to Perry’s four marriages
- under the neat heading “Mixed Doubles” -
while the chapter describing the setting-up of Fred
Perry Sportswear is headed “Rag Trader”. This lightness
of touch is apparent throughout the book,
making it (in the old-fashioned phrase) “a thoroughly
good read”. This emerged most clearly and
literally, when 5 sections of the book were read on
Radio 4’s “Book of the Week”.
A rare photograph of Fred with bat in hand.
From Zdenko Uzorinac’s Table Tennis Legends
Left: Fred Perry holding the trophy
presented to him by the Budapest
hosts for his win of the 1929 World
Championship Singles. He also
received the St. Bride Vase for one
year.
Right: Runner-up Miklos Szabados
holds Fred’s racket from the 1929
Finals. This photo, donated to the
ITTF Museum by Miklos’ son,
Sandor, was taken during a much
later visit.
5