Professional tennis player Jay Clarke has been honoured for his exceptional contributions to the sport, both on and off the court, by receiving the prestigious Player Award at the Tennis Black List 2024. The 25-year-old sportsman from Derby commenced his Wimbledon Qualifying campaign this year with an impressive victory over former world top-10 player Diego Schwartzman in the initial round. Despite not progressing to the men’s singles draw, Clarke has been granted a wildcard and will be competing in the doubles event alongside Marcus Willis.
The Tennis Black List, which recognises the accomplishments of individuals from the black and mixed black heritage community in tennis, was established by Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo. The second annual ceremony took place on 27th June 2024, and received support from the LTA, Barclays, and YC Sports. The awards seek to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations across all levels of the sport, from grassroots to the professional game, both domestically and internationally.
Following the success of the esteemed Football Black List and Rugby Black List, the Tennis Black List highlights the significance of celebrating black excellence in sports. The objective is to motivate and inspire the upcoming generation within the tennis community through the achievements of the honourees.
Throughout the event, awards were presented in eight categories, with numerous recipients present at the National Tennis Centre. Clarke’s tennis journey commenced at a young age, when he was introduced to the sport by his sister Yasmin and brother Curtis, playing at a club merely two minutes from his home. Initially coached by his father, Earol, he has since made significant strides in the realm of tennis.
Organisers Batson and Sackey-Addo expressed their pride in acknowledging the outstanding individuals who embody excellence within the black and mixed-black heritage community, both on and off the court. Additionally, LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd emphasised the importance of celebrating the success of role models in instilling inspiration and encouragement for greater involvement in tennis, whether as players, coaches, or volunteers.
The ceremony served as an evening of inspiration and celebration, honouring the achievements within the tennis community. The recipients are true role models who epitomise excellence, serving as inspirations to all those involved in the sport. The occasion is a testimony to the commitment and hard work of those who contribute to the tennis world.
As we continue to celebrate and honour outstanding individuals within the tennis community, it is imperative to recognise the valuable contributions and inspiring stories of those who have made a significant impact. The accomplishments of individuals such as Jay Clarke demonstrate the power of dedication, passion, and hard work in shaping the future of tennis. Through the recognition of exceptional role models, we can inspire and encourage others to pursue their own passions within the sport.
The Tennis Black List serves as a platform to showcase the remarkable achievements of individuals from diverse backgrounds and reinforces the commitment to making tennis inclusive, enjoyable, and inspiring for all. With the celebration of the 2024 winners, we are reminded of the positive impact that the recognition of excellence can have in empowering and uniting the tennis community.