Rod Laver, one of the most iconic figures in tennis history, has not only made headlines for his remarkable achievements on the court but also for his personal life, particularly his long-lasting marriage and subsequent relationship after the death of his wife.
Early Life and Marriage to Mary Shelby Peterson
Rod Laver’s tennis career was already flourishing when he met Mary Shelby Peterson in 1966 at the Jack Kramer Tennis Club.
At that time, Laver had already secured a prominent place in tennis history by completing the Grand Slam in 1962 and winning six Grand Slam singles titles.
Mary, on the other hand, was a divorced mother of three who had little knowledge of tennis but was amazed by Laver’s charm and presence.
They struck up a connection almost instantly. Laver himself reminisced about their first meeting, saying,
“We hit it off, right away.”
Their relationship quickly progressed, leading to their marriage in 1966 at a church in San Rafael, California.
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The wedding was attended by a number of prominent tennis players of the era, including Lew Hoad, Ken Rosewall, Roy Emerson, Mal Anderson, and Barry MacKay.
These players even formed an archway with their tennis rackets for the couple as they exited the church, symbolizing the importance of Laver’s presence in the tennis world.
In 1969, three years after their marriage, Mary gave birth to their son, Rick Laver, who was born just weeks after Laver won the Grand Slam for the second time.
The Lavers were inseparable, sharing a life filled with traveling, tennis tournaments, and public events.
Unfortunately, Mary passed away in November 2012 due to health complications, ending a 46-year-long marriage. Laver expressed his sorrow at her passing, remarking,
“We had a wonderful life together. We did a lot of traveling, a lot of tennis tournaments, tennis events.”
Rod Laver’s Current Relationship with Susan Johnson
After Mary’s passing, Laver found love once again, this time with Susan Johnson, a woman he had known since the 1980s.
Johnson, previously married to businessman F. Ross Johnson, the former chairman of Nabisco, had been widowed in 2016 after her husband’s death.
In 2018, after many years of not being in contact, Susan reached out to Laver, calling him up to prove to her friends that she knew the tennis legend.
Laver fondly recalled that the phone call “probably turned out to be the nicest thing that ever happened to me,” marking the beginning of their new relationship.
Since reconnecting, the couple has been inseparable. They have attended numerous tennis matches and public events together, enjoying a quieter life away from the public eye.
Laver has spoken fondly about how this relationship has brought joy to his life, emphasizing that it was a twist of fate that turned out to be one of the best things to happen to him.
A New Chapter in Laver’s Life
Rod Laver’s relationship with Susan Johnson represents a beautiful new chapter in the life of a tennis legend.
After losing his first wife, Mary, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories, Laver has found solace and companionship in Susan.
Their relationship highlights the timeless nature of love and connection, regardless of the years that may pass. The two have found happiness in each other’s company, and Laver’s continued presence in the world of tennis with his new partner is a testament to the enduring love they share.
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For fans of Laver, his story continues to be one of both athletic excellence and personal resilience. His journey through marriage, loss, and rediscovery of love serves as an inspiring narrative for those who admire not just his tennis skills but his ability to adapt to life’s challenges.
As Laver continues to enjoy his time with Susan Johnson, it is clear that this chapter in his personal life is just as fulfilling as his celebrated career on the court.
This ongoing journey of love and partnership mirrors the grace and determination Laver has shown throughout his life, both on and off the tennis court.
