Laver, Kokkinakis discuss meaning of being a gentleman

Rod Laver and Australian pro Thanasi Kokkinakis took a seat inside Australian-owned clothier M.J Bale to talk about what it means to be a gentleman.

When many think of Laver, they think "the greatest player in history. The Australian's court movement was impeccable and his fighting spirit made him a force to be reckoned with. But his speed and agility weren't the only things that made him great.

"The more that you put in the game the more you're going to receive and get back out of the game," Laver said.

The Rocket would know. He won two calendar-year Grand Slams, in 1962 and 1969, and holds the most titles in history with 200. In his chat with Kokkinakis, the 81-year-old icon touched on having respect for the press, sponsors, opponents and the game as a whole.

"Sometimes the officiating wasn't brilliant. Before we walked on the court, we said are we going to go by the calls from an umpire or are we going to change them if it's crazy out?" Laver said. "And, we would have that decision made before we walked onto the court."

Laver explained that this cleared up any potential for unsportsmanlike conduct or frustrations between the players. He relished and appreciated competing against other top players and befriended many of his opponents, often having a beer or two after matches.

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Laver then asked the 23-year-old Aussie what he thinks makes a gentleman.

"Being respectful, having respect for the people that have helped you along the way to get where you are, and wearing a suit." The two chuckled; Laver asked "From MJ Bale?"

"From M.J. Bale of course," Kokkinakis said.

The world No. 224 also mentioned having empathy, putting yourself in other people's shoes and just trying to do the right things. Kokkinakis had another injury plagued season in 2019 and will look to start the decade on a healthier note.

In 2018, Kokkinakis qualified for the Miami Open where he then upset Roger Federer, showing that he has the game to defeat the world's best. Now he's also prepared to behave like the world's best after getting such a lesson from Laver.