Edgar Moon
An Australian tennis champion who dominated the national championships in the 1930s with a versatile, all-court game.
1904–1976 (age 72)·Australian tennis player·Birthday: December 3·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Edgar 'Gar' Moon emerged from Queensland to become a dominant force in Australian tennis during the interwar period. His game was a blend of power and finesse, making him a formidable opponent on the grass courts of his home championships. Moon's crowning moment came in 1930 when he captured the Australian singles title, a victory that announced his arrival at the sport's highest level. He proved his prowess wasn't limited to singles, securing doubles and mixed doubles titles to complete a rare triple crown at the national event. Though his international reach was tempered by the era's limited travel, his mastery at home cemented his status as one of Australia's premier players of his generation.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Edgar was born in 1904, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Edgar Was Born
The biggest hits of 1904
Edgar's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1904Born
New York City opens its first subway line
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1909Started school
Robert Peary claims to reach the North Pole
President: William Howard Taft
1917Became a teenager
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1920Could drive
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1922Could vote
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1925Turned 21
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1934Turned 30
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1944Turned 40
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1954Turned 50
Brown v. Board of Education desegregates US schools
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $8,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Little Things Mean a Lot" — Kitty KallenBest Picture: On the Waterfront
1964Turned 60
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1974Turned 70
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1976Died at 72
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
Key Achievements
- Won the Australian Championships men's singles title in 1930.
- Secured the Australian Championships men's doubles title in 1932 with partner Jack Crawford.
- Achieved the 'triple crown' by winning the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles at the Australian Championships across his career.
- Represented Australia in Davis Cup competition.
Did You Know?
He was a talented all-round sportsman, also excelling in cricket and golf.
Moon worked as a law clerk before focusing fully on his tennis career.
His 1930 singles victory was achieved without dropping a single set throughout the tournament.
“The baseline is where you build your attack, not just defend.”
