William Clothier

William 'Bill' Jackson Clothier (September 27, 1881 – September 4, 1962) was an American tennis player. He won the 1906 U.S. National Championships - Men's Singles and was the runner-up in 1907 and 1909. He reached the final round of the 1912 U.S. National Championships in mixed doubles with Eleonora Sears. He was a member of the United States 1905 and 1909 International Lawn Tennis Challenge teams. He was the first president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and was inducted as a member in 1956.

Early life and education Clothier was born on September 27, 1881, in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. His father Isaac founded the Strawbridge & Clothier department store. His last appearance in the final came in 1909 when he lost in five sets to William Larned who claimed his fifth singles title.

He was a member of the United States 1905

Clothier was the first president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1954 and later served as chairman of the board. He was elected as a member of the Hall of Fame in 1956.

Business career He was a partner in the investment bank of Montgomery, Clothier & Tyler until 1921. He worked as president of the Boone County Coal Corporation in West Virginia, until 1957. and was interred at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

Playing style In their book R.F. and H.L. Doherty - On Lawn Tennis (1903) multiple Wimbledon champions Reginald and Lawrence Doherty described Clothier's playing style:

On Lawn Tennis - 1903

Grand Slam finals

Singles (1 title, 2 runners-up)

Mixed doubles: (1 runner-up) ResultYearChampionship SurfacePartnerOpponentsScoreLoss 1912 U.S. National Championships Grass Eleonora Sears Mary Kendall Browne Richard Williams 4–6, 6–2, 9–11

Grand Slam performance timeline

Events with a challenge round: (WC) won; (CR) lost the challenge round; (FA) all comers' finalist