WA tennis legend, Clive Wilderspin, has been further recognised for his service to the tennis, awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia at this year’s Australia Day Honours.
The Medal of the Order (OAM) award follows Wilderspin’s inaugural induction into the Tennis West Hall of Champions (2019) and 1988 induction into the Western Australian Hall of Champions.
Ranked as WA’s No. 1 Men’s Singles player for an impressive thirteen years running (1946 – 1959), Wilderspin took a two-year hiatus before regaining WA’s leading title from 1961 – 1963.
Tennis began for Wilderspin whilst at Wesley College with influence from renowned coach, Herbert Edwards who also played coach to WA’s Arthur Marshall and Bruce Robinson. Wilderspin’s most notable achievements include impressing tennis legend, Harry Hopman after finishing fourth in the Linton Cup aged 16, 9 wins in the state Men’s and Mixed Doubles from 1950 to 1961, finalist achievements in Australian Championships in Double and Men’s Singles events.
Internationally in 1953, he was a runner up in the French Championships with Mervyn Rose in Men’s Doubles, the Dutch National Championships Men’s Doubles winner with Lew Hoad and travelled with the Australian touring team to compete in all four Grand Slam tournaments.
Praised for his longstanding sportsmanship, determination and athleticism, Wilderspin continued to play throughout his senior years, continuing to win competitions and receive notable awards both on and off the court.
Serving as the Tennis West Vice President for a number of years, Wilderspin is recognised as a Life Member of both Tennis West and Tennis Seniors WA. Further recognition of Wilderspin’s legacy is observed with the naming of courts in his honour at Royal Kings Park Tennis Club (2008) and Reabold Tennis Club (2010).
Noting a lifetime contribution to the history of Tennis in which spans some 76 years, Tennis West congratulates Mr. Wilderspin on a well-deserved Order of Australia.
The OAM is awarded to Australians who have displayed an outstanding achievement and/or service. Members of the community are nominated by their peers for their dedication and service. Recipients are celebrated as a symbol of what it is to be Australian with the purpose to inspire others.
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