Tennis ace Jay Clarke scoops Black List award

By Abi Curran

Tennis ace Jay Clarke has been rewarded for his contributions to the sport on and off the court as part of the Tennis Black List 2024.

Clarke made an eye-catching start to Wimbledon Qualifying this year, toppling former world top-10 player Diego Schwartzman in the first round.

The 25-year-old from Derby ultimately fell short of appearing in the men's singles draw but will compete in doubles alongside Marcus Willis after the pair received a wild card.

He won the Player Award, a testament to his remarkable achievements within the sport.

The Tennis Black List celebrates tennis role models from the black and mixed black heritage community from players at the highest level to volunteers and their tireless efforts.

Founded by Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo last year, the event on 27 June 2024 marked the second year of the Tennis Black List, supported by the LTA, Barclays and YC Sports.

In the run-up to The Championships at Wimbledon in nearby Roehampton, the awards recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally.

The Tennis Black List follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List, demonstrating the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport.

The event was an opportunity to inspire the next generation in the tennis community, with the commitment shown by the winners.

Awards were handed out in eight categories across the evening at the ceremony, with several recipients present at the National Tennis Centre.

Coached first by his father Earol, Clarke started playing tennis at a club two minutes from home aged three when his sister Yasmin and brother Curtis introduced him to the sport.

Tennis Black List organisers Batson and Sackey-Addo said: “This was truly a night of inspiration and celebration of the black and mixed-black heritage communities’ excellence in tennis on and off the court.

“It’s been an honour to recognise a group of remarkable people who are the perfect embodiment of this.”

LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd said: “It was hugely inspiring to celebrate once again all the amazing successes and achievements of the black and mixed-black heritage communities – the 2024 winners are real role models to everyone.

“Our vision at the LTA is for tennis to be welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring to everyone. We know that seeing and celebrating the success of role models, inspires and encourages more people to get involved - whether as a player, a coach or a volunteer."

Serving excellence on and off the court: The Tennis Black List #TennisBlackList #2024TennisBlackList #TennisBlackList2024