As a school boy, Hopman had shown excellent skill at soccer and cricket and was an outstanding player in the Newcastle district competitions.

He continued these successes at his new primary school - Rosehill Public - where his father was headmaster.

Hopman was introduced to tennis whilst a student at Parramatta High School, playing Saturday competition and school tennis. He was also a member of the PHS first grade soccer team.

This article appeared about him in the June 1930 edition of the school magazine.

Hopman was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1978.