John Hartley (tennis)
John Thorneycroft Hartley (9 January 1849 – 21 August 1935) was a tennis player from England, and the only clergyman to win Wimbledon.
Born in Tong, Shropshire, as the winner of the All Comer's Final, Hartley won the 1879 Gentlemans Singles title by default, after the 1878 Champion, Frank Hadow failed to defend his title. Hartley retained his title the following year by defeating Herbert Lawford, 6–3, 6–2, 2–6, 6–3.
Hartley lost in thirty seven minutes in the 1881 Gentleman's Singles final, to William Renshaw, 0–6, 1–6, 1–6.
Hartley married Alice Margaret Lascelles, a granddaughter of Henry Lascelles, 3rd Earl of Harewood, in 1875. They had no children.
In 1926, at the Golden Jubilee championships, Hartley was presented with a Silver medal by Queen Mary, as one of thirty four surviving champions.
Hartley died at the age of 86 in Knaresborough, Yorkshire.
Grand Slam singles finals
Wins (2)
Year | Championship | Opponent in Final | Score in Final |
1879 | Wimbledon | Winner by default, beat Vere St. Leger Goold | 6–2, 6–4, 6–2 in the All Comers' Final |
Year | Championship | Opponent in Final | Score in Final |
1880 | Wimbledon | Herbert Lawford | 6–3, 6–2, 2–6, 6–3 |
Runner-ups (1)
Year | Championship | Opponent in Final | Score in Final |
1881 | Wimbledon | William Renshaw | 6–0, 6–1, 6–1 |