Pat Spence

Pat Spence was South African but played almost his entire career in the UK. Spence attended medical school at Edinburgh University and stayed in Britain, first practicing at Guy’s Hospital in London and then Richmond. He later had a private practice in Kingston-upon-Thames, retiring in 1934.

Spence won the 1922 Scottish singles title for his first major victory. In 1924 Spence won the Middlesex Championships and the Queen’s Club Covered Courts title. He competed 12 times at Wimbledon between 1923-36, making the 1926 singles quarter-finals. Spence and Elizabeth Ryan won the 1928 mixed doubles crown at Wimbledon. His best finish in doubles was the semi-finals in 1924. Spence won another Grand Slam title, taking the mixed doubles at the 1931 French Championships with Betty Nuthall. He also played at Roland Garros in 1925 and 1927. Spence played Davis Cup for South Africa from 1924-31, appearing in nine ties, winning 14 of 21 matches.