Clay Iles obit

Tennis coach Clay Iles, 83, has died

 

He was not on the list.

Eastbourne based Clay Iles, one of the most successful tennis coaches in the country, has died aged 83.

Iles taught numerous British junior champions including Sussex-based Julie Salmon, Clare Wood and Sarah Gomer.

These three made up the British Federation Cup Team.

He also guided Horsham-based John Whiteford as the British-under 21 champion.

As a player, he competed at Wimbledon 12 times between 1962 and 1974.

Iles played Pancho Gonzales in the first ever "Open Era" singles match at the British Hard Court Championships at Bournemouth in 1968.

He won the North of England hard court championships in 1964, when he beat Mark Cox in the final.

And he later added the British Professional Coaches Championship six times.

He represented Surrey many times when they won the British county title.

As a coach, he  held a position as a national trainer and was responsible for the leading players under 12 in the country. For two years Tim Henman was in that group.

Rohun Beven, former Wimbledon and international tennis player and Sussex No.1 1 said: "I have known Clay for over 55 years, he was one of the most highly respected players and coaches of his generation.

"Clay had a significant impact on the lives and careers of so many Wimbledon and British International players. The tennis world will miss him".

His funeral will be held on Friday, February 13 at Langley Crematorium in Eastbourne at 2pm.