John Newcombe

Australia's former Wimbledon champion John Newcombe (Pic. below, Gamma) was resting comfortably at home after a health scare, his business partner said. Alex Watson said the 58-year-old, who is one of Australia's most prominent and popular sporting figures, was in good health. Local media said he had suffered a stroke.

"It certainly wasn't a stroke. I've spoken to him and he's fine," Watson said. "He's just resting up at his farm on the Hunter Valley (near Sydney).

"He wasn't feeling well and he had some tests. The tests didn't show anything and they just said to have a few days off." Newcombe, renowned for his ruthless will to win and prominent moustache, won seven Grand Slam titles including three Wimbledon triumphs.

Later as non-playing captain he teamed with former doubles partner Tony Roche as coach to guide Australia to their 1999 Davis Cup final victory over France at Nice.

The Melbourne tabloid newspaper The Herald Sun ran a page two story, which said: "John Newcombe is recovering from a mild stroke."