Clifford Sproule (23 May 1905 – 24 April 1981) was an Australian tennis player and administrator. As a player he reached the semifinals of the Australian Championships singles. Sproule played Davis Cup, then was a manager of the Australian team and later still a referee. He was also President of the New South Wales Tennis Association. In 1976 he was awarded the OBE for services to tennis.[1] Making his debut in the Australian men's singles, Sproule lost in the opening round in 1926 to Garton Hone.[2] He lost in the second round in 1928 to Jean Borotra.[3] He reached the quarter-finals in 1930 and 1931 (losing both to Jack Crawford). In 1932 Sproule beat Don Turnbull and James Willard before losing in the semi-finals to Crawford.[4] At Wimbledon he lost in the second round on the three occasions he competed in the singles in 1932, 1936 and 1937.
| Full name | Clifford Ewing Sproule |
|---|---|
| Country (sports) |  Australia |
| Born | 23 May 1905 Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 24 April 1981 (aged 75)[1] New South Wales, Australia |
| Turned pro | 1925 (amateur tour) |
| Retired | 1938 |
| Singles | |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| Australian Open | SF (1932) |
| Wimbledon | 2R (1932, 1936, 1937) |
| Doubles | |
| Grand Slam doubles results | |
| Australian Open | SF (1932) |
| Wimbledon | QF (1936, 1937) |
| Mixed doubles | |
| Grand Slam mixed doubles results | |
| Australian Open | 2R (1931) |
| Wimbledon | 1R (1932) |
References
edit- ^ a b "Clifford Sproule dies, aged 75". The Sydney Morning Herald. 27 April 1981. p. 33. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ^ "Australian Open 1926". www.tennis.co.nf.
- ^ "Australian Open 1928". www.tennis.co.nf.
- ^ "Australian Open 1932". www.tennis.co.nf.
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