Ironically , Laver was his idol and his inspiration to take up the sport .
U.S. the previous year -- making him the first player since the legendary Rod Laver in 1969 to win three Grand Slam titles in a row .
Ironically , Rod Laver was his Rod Laver and his inspiration to take up the sport .
U.S. the previous year -- making him the first player since the legendary Rod Laver in 1969 to win three Grand Slam titles in a row .