Professional tennis player Jay Clarke has been honoured for his exceptional contributions to the sport, both on and off the court, as part of the esteemed Tennis Black List 2024. The 25-year-old from Derby achieved a remarkable feat during Wimbledon Qualifying this year by defeating former world top-10 player Diego Schwartzman in the first round. While narrowly missing out on appearing in the men’s singles draw, Clarke will be participating in the doubles event alongside Marcus Willis after receiving a wild card entry.
Clarke’s remarkable achievements in the sport have led to him being awarded the prestigious Player Award at the Tennis Black List, a platform that recognises the accomplishments of tennis role models from the black and mixed black heritage community, including players, volunteers, and their tireless efforts. The event, held on 27th June 2024, marked the second edition of the Tennis Black List and enjoyed support from prominent organisations such as the LTA, Barclays, and YC Sports.
The awards ceremony, which took place in the lead-up to The Championships at Wimbledon, aims to acknowledge the valuable contributions of individuals and organisations within the British and international tennis community, from grassroots levels to the professional game. Drawing inspiration from the successful Football Black List and Rugby Black List, the Tennis Black List underscores the positive impact of celebrating black excellence in sport.
The LTA envisions creating a welcoming and inspiring environment for everyone within tennis, and the recognition of role models within the sport plays a pivotal role in encouraging more participation, whether as players, coaches, or volunteers.
The event provided an opportunity to inspire the next generation in the tennis community, with the commitment shown by the winners. Awards were presented in eight categories, and the recipients, including Jay Clarke, were honoured at the National Tennis Centre.
Initially coached by his father Earol, Clarke’s journey in tennis began at a young age when his siblings introduced him to the sport. The organisers of the Tennis Black List expressed their pride in acknowledging the remarkable individuals who embody excellence both on and off the court within the black and mixed-black heritage communities.
LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd also commended the exceptional successes and achievements of the black and mixed-black heritage communities, emphasising the role of the 2024 winners as true role models for everyone. The LTA continues to work towards creating an inclusive and inspiring environment in tennis, knowing that celebrating the success of role models serves to inspire and encourage more individuals to participate in the sport.
The Tennis Black List 2024 was truly a night of inspiration and celebration, honouring the excellence of individuals within the tennis community and reaffirming the significance of representation and recognition in sports.
In conclusion, the recognition of Jay Clarke at the Tennis Black List serves as a testament to his dedication and impact within the tennis community, inspiring individuals to pursue their passion for the sport while also highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusivity in tennis.