Clifford Sproule (23 May 1905 – 24 April 1981) was an Australian tennis player and administrator. As a player he reached the semifinals of the Australian Championships singles. Sproule played Davis Cup, then was a manager of the Australian team and later still a referee. He was also President of the New South Wales Tennis Association. In 1976 he was awarded the OBE for services to tennis.[1] Making his debut in the Australian men's singles, Sproule lost in the opening round in 1926 to Garton Hone.[2] He lost in the second round in 1928 to Jean Borotra.[3] He reached the quarter finals in 1930 and 1931 (losing both to Jack Crawford). In 1932 Sproule beat Don Turnbull and James Willard before losing in the semi finals to Crawford.[4] At Wimbledon he lost in the second round on the three occasions he competed in the singles in 1932, 1936 and 1937.
Full name | Clifford Ewing Sproule |
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Country (sports) | ![]() |
Born | (1905-05-23)23 May 1905 Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia |
Died | 24 April 1981(1981-04-24) (aged 75)[1] New South Wales, Australia |
Turned pro | 1925 (amateur tour) |
Retired | 1938 |
Singles | |
Grand Slam singles results | |
Australian Open | SF (1932) |
Wimbledon | 2R (1932, 1936, 1937) |
Doubles | |
Grand Slam doubles results | |
Australian Open | SF (1932) |
Wimbledon | QF (1936, 1937) |
Mixed doubles | |
Grand Slam mixed doubles results | |
Australian Open | 2R (1931) |
Wimbledon | 1R (1932) |
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