Max Robertson facts for kids

William Maxwell Robertson (born August 28, 1915 – died November 20, 2009) was a famous sports commentator, radio and TV presenter, and a writer. He is most known for talking about tennis on BBC Radio for 40 years.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Max Robertson was born in Dacca, Bengal (which is now Dhaka, Bangladesh). His parents were British. When he was seven years old, his family moved back to England. He went to an independent school called Haileybury.

Adventures and First Jobs

In 1935, Max left Clare College, Cambridge, to go on an exciting trip to Papua New Guinea. After that, he lived in Sydney, Australia, for a few years. There, he worked as a school teacher.

In 1937, Max got his first job in broadcasting. He worked for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The first big tennis match he ever covered was the final of the Australian Open.

Joining the BBC

Max Robertson returned to England in 1939. He spent the years of World War II in the army. After the war, in 1946, he joined the BBC. He didn't just cover tennis. He also reported on athletics, swimming, skiing, and even motor racing.

A New Style of Commentary

Max's way of commenting was much more lively than what BBC listeners were used to before the war. People really liked his style. This popularity helped him get other jobs at the BBC.

In 1953, Max became the first regular host of the TV show Panorama. This show was not as serious then as it later became. He also commented on big news events. These included the funeral of King George VI in 1952. A year later, he covered the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. From 1965 to 1977, he presented a TV show about old items called Going for a Song.

Memorable Moments and Retirement

During his long career, Max sometimes made funny mistakes while on air. One time in the early 1980s, he was watching a men's doubles match at Wimbledon. He was so impressed by the players Peter Fleming and John McEnroe. He asked, "Who are they going to play in the final? Do we know yet?" His surprised colleague, Christine Truman, replied, "This is the final..."

Another time, he found it hard to say the name of the Serbian tennis player Slobodan Živojinović. So, he decided to call him 'Bobo'. This confused his colleagues and the audience. The player's actual nickname was Boba.

Writing Books

Max Robertson also wrote several books. Most of them were about sports and old items. His most famous book is probably Wimbledon 1877-1977.

He retired in 1986. His last commentary was for Boris Becker's second Wimbledon win. He famously said, "Beckermania forever! Becker the Boy King last year, now King Emperor..."

Later Life

Max Robertson lived in Guernsey during the last years of his life. He had two sons from his first marriage. He also had a son and a daughter with his second wife, Elisabeth Beresford. She was a children's author who created the Wombles. They were married from 1949 to 1984. Max Robertson passed away in Guernsey at the age of 94.