$2,000 Empathetic Tale of American Tennis Legend Going Out of His Way to Help 99-Year-Old Wimbledon Champion Is a True Testament to What the Sport Stands For

The American tennis legend, Vic Seixas’ journey has been an absolute roller coaster ride given the number of professional paths he pursued. From being a Wimbledon Champion to serving drinks as a bartender, a lot of things changed drastically for the Tennis Hall of Famer who has 15 major titles under his belt. The former tennis ace embarked on his competitive tennis journey during an era when trophies, and not checks, were the reward for victories in the sport.

While pursuing a professional path as a tennis player, he also had a brief stint as a stockbroker during the 1950 and 60s. He made some decent money while keeping up with those endeavors. However, things drastically changed after his two divorces, as he had to pay some hefty amounts as settlements. It forced him to take a bartending role in his 70s in order to keep up with his necessities. Speaking about the same, the former tennis player recently revealed how his old rival, Stan Smith, supported him during his adverse phase.

Stan Smith once helped his old peer, Vic Seixas, during his struggles

During his illustrious tennis journey, Vic Seixas clinched a slew of trophies, including his two singles titles at the US Open and the Wimbledon Championships. Apart from this silverware and victories, the former tennis ace also faced various challenges, including his two divorces and financial struggles. It forced the American tennis legend to sell some of his less noteworthy trophies during the 1970s when the price of silver rose.

In order to further keep up with his necessities, Vic Seixas took a bartender role in 1989, after his second divorce. During that phase, the Hall of Famer received a surprising endorsement contract from his old rival, Stan Smith who is the face of the renowned Adidas shoes that carry his name.

According to telegraph.co.uk, he received a $2,000-per-month contract as the new nonagenarian “ambassador” for the sports brand. Speaking about the same, Seixas said, “I asked them, ‘How long is this for?’ They said, ‘Until you die or we go bankrupt’.”

Seixas also revealed that he enjoyed his bartender role

It came as a surprise to many when the former tennis player revealed how he enjoyed his stint as a bartender in his 70s. During that period, Seixas used to serve drinks to patrons in New York who had no idea about his triumphs on the tennis court. However, when some of them finally find out about his past, he gave a slightly rueful and surprising answer.

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He said, “I don’t know why it seems so unusual for someone to work behind a bar. I liked to have a drink once in a while, I liked spending time there. I guess it’s a good talking point.”

What do you think of Seixas’ journey that has been an absolute roller coaster ride? Let us know in the comments section.

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