Born: 1945 (Bournemouth, England)
Biography:
Sarah Virginia Wade OBE, born on July 10, 1945, in Bournemouth, England, is a British former professional tennis player. Firmly etching her name in the annals of tennis history, Wade won three Major tennis singles championships and four major doubles championships. She is also the only British woman to have won titles at all four Majors. As a testament to her skill and passion, Wade reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 2 in the world and claimed the top spot in doubles rankings. Her incredible achievements have left an indelible mark on British tennis, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of players.
Wade’s profound influence on British tennis is exemplified by the fact that she was the most recent British player to win a major singles tournament until Andy Murray’s victory at the 2012 US Open. Similarly, she remained the most recent British woman to have won a major singles title until Emma Raducanu’s triumph at the 2021 US Open. Her remarkable accomplishments demonstrate her enduring significance in the sport and her ability to persistently transcend boundaries.
After retiring from competitive tennis, Wade transitioned into coaching, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring players. For four years, she served as a coach, passing on her invaluable expertise to the next generation of athletes. Not content with limiting her involvement to coaching alone, Wade also became a prominent tennis commentator and game analyst. Her captivating commentary and insightful analysis can be heard on the BBC, Eurosport, and CBS networks, ensuring that her voice and expertise continue to resonate across the tennis community.
Wade’s journey began in Bournemouth when she was born to her father, the archdeacon of Durban. At the age of one, she moved with her parents to South Africa, where she first learned how to play tennis. However, when she was fifteen, the family relocated back to England, and she attended Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School and Talbot Heath School in Bournemouth.
In 1961, Wade demonstrated her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport by joining the tennis team at Wimbledon County Girls’ Grammar School. She pursued her academic interests alongside her tennis career, studying mathematics and physics at the University of Sussex and graduating in 1966. With a solid educational foundation and an unwavering passion for tennis, Wade was primed for success on the professional circuit.
Wade’s tennis career spanned a pivotal time in the sport’s history, transitioning from the amateur era to the open era. In 1968, as an amateur, she made her mark by clinching victory at the inaugural open tennis competition, the British Hard Court Open in Bournemouth. Despite earning a £300 first prize, Wade selflessly opted to play for only her expenses, highlighting her deep love for the game.
Just five months later, after turning professional, Wade achieved an extraordinary feat by triumphing in the women’s singles championship at the first US Open. This victory, accompanied by a prize money of $6,000 (equivalent to $50,492 today), came after a memorable final against the legendary Billie Jean King. Wade’s unwavering determination and remarkable skills propelled her to claim her first Major singles championship.
The pinnacle of Wade’s career came in 1972 when she clinched her second Major singles championship at the Australian Open. In an enthralling final against Australian tennis star Evonne Goolagong, Wade emerged victorious with a score of 6–4, 6–4. Her outstanding achievements on the court were acknowledged with her appointment as a member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1973 Birthday Honours, in recognition of her services to lawn tennis.
However, it was at Wimbledon, the iconic grass-court event, where Wade left an indelible mark. In 1977, she achieved her long-cherished dream by capturing the Wimbledon singles title. Remarkably, it was her sixteenth year competing at the prestigious tournament, emphasizing her perseverance and resilience. Her Wimbledon victory solidified her status as one of the greatest British female tennis players of all time.
Throughout her remarkable career, Virginia Wade embodied both style and substance on the tennis court. Her graceful play, combined with her mental fortitude and competitive spirit, brought her unparalleled success. The impact of her achievements extends far beyond the realm of tennis, inspiring countless individuals and playing a pivotal role in women’s history. Wade’s legacy remains an enduring symbol of unwavering determination, perseverance, and dedication to one’s craft.
Awards:
– Appointment as a member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1973 for services to lawn tennis.