Herman David

Herman David is best credited for being one of ‘open’ tennis’ strongest advocates. He chaired the All England Tennis and Croquet Club for several years. During his stay, he made a lot of changes that helped mold the sport of Tennis into what it is today.

Other than being an administrator, David also played tennis and won a few games of his own.

Born, Herman Francis David in Birmingham England in June 26, 1905, he was one of the most influential presidents of the All England Tennis and Croquet Club – a post he held from 1959 up to 1974. He helped change Wimbledon and made it the Open Tournament that it is today. During his first year as president, David started to propose the idea of ‘open’ tennis to his association.

The All England Tennis and Croquet Club is based in Wimbledon and it serves as the venue for the Wimbledon Championships – which is the only remaining Grand Slam Tennis event held on grass. It was in 1967 that the All England Tennis and Croquet Club finally announced that beginning 1968 they would be open to all Tennis categories - both professional and amateur.

Aside from his administrative duties at the All England Tennis and Croquet Club, David is also credited for participating and winning in two Davis Cups held in 1932. He also served as Captain for the British team during those games. For all his contributions to the sport of Tennis, David was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Rhode Island in 1998. He died in February 25, 2974. He lived out his life in United Kingdom and is still remembered as being one of the most important people in Tennis history.