Mohammed Sleem

Mohammed Sleem was the first internationally-known Indian tennis player. He won multiple Punjab titles, with his first coming in 1915. Sleem’s best year in England was 1921, especially in the autumn. He was runner-up at the Eastbourne Tournament in September to Brian Norton, losing in five sets in the final. In October he won the Queen’s Club Hard Court title, the Welsh Indoor Championships, and the Hendon Hard Court title.

In 1924 Sleem had another good year, winning the Deauville title in July, and the South of England Championship in September. He played Wimbledon four times, in 1921, 1924, 1928, and 1934. In 1928 he won the All-England Plate, the consolation tournament for first and second round losers. He played seven ties in Davis Cup for India between 1921-34, winning 7 and losing 8 matches.

Sleem became a criminal lawyer after graduating from Cambridge University. He was an English Barrister and was inducted into Lincoln’s Inn in 1910. He played out of the Gymkhana Club of Punjab when living in India.