Bryan Morel "Bitsy" Grant, Jr., a celebrated American professional tennis champion, was born on December 25, 1909, in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia. Measuring 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm) in height and weighing a mere 120 pounds (54 kg),Grant held the distinction of being the smallest American male to achieve a championship on the prestigious international tennis circuit. As a right-handed retriever, he showcased remarkable skill, capable of overcoming formidable opponents such as the renowned Don Budge and Ellsworth Vines, even on the challenging grass surfaces. His nickname, "Itsy Bitsy the Giant Killer," aptly reflected his impressive abilities and achievements in the world of tennis.
From a remarkably early stage in his life, Grant demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for a wide range of sports, with football, basketball, and tennis being just a few examples of the numerous athletic pursuits in which he excelled at the local Atlanta schools.
By the year 1929, Grant had already achieved a remarkable milestone, having won the prestigious Georgia state tennis title, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport.
As his exceptional talent in tennis continued to garner national recognition, Grant's reputation as a formidable tennis player spread far and wide, even before he had completed his studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated in 1933.
As the world grappled with the devastating consequences of World War II, Grant found himself stationed in the Pacific Islands, specifically in the vicinity of New Guinea, where he was immersed in the midst of intense military operations.
His correspondence with his future wife, a testament to the bond they shared, provides a poignant glimpse into the harsh realities of his experiences during that tumultuous period.
Beyond his illustrious tennis career, Grant's extracurricular pursuits were multifaceted, with his membership in the prestigious Piedmont Driving Club serving as a testament to his refined social standing. Furthermore, he had the distinguished honor of accompanying the renowned actress Olivia de Havilland to the Atlanta premiere of the iconic film Gone with the Wind. Additionally, Grant dabbled in the world of acting, making a memorable appearance in the campy 1959 science fiction film Teenagers from Outer Space, showcasing his versatility and willingness to take on unconventional roles.
Notably, the life of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, was cut short by the devastating effects of cancer, which ultimately claimed his life at the ripe age of 75.
