David Lloyd

David Lloyd is a British businessman and former professional tennis player. He is best known for winning the Davis Cup with Great Britain in 1973 and for reaching the singles final at the Australian Open in 1977. After retiring from professional tennis, Lloyd founded the David Lloyd Leisure group of health and fitness clubs.

Early life and career

David Lloyd was born on 20 May 1948 in Wallasey, Cheshire, England. He began playing tennis at the age of 11 and quickly rose through the ranks of junior tennis. In 1971, he turned professional and soon became one of the top British players.

Tennis career

Lloyd's best year on the tennis tour was 1973, when he won the Davis Cup with Great Britain and reached the singles final at the Australian Open. He also won several other tournaments that year, including the Queen's Club Championships and the Rothmans Canadian Open.

In 1977, Lloyd reached the singles final at the Australian Open again, but this time he lost to Vitas Gerulaitis. He continued to play professional tennis until 1980, but he never again reached the heights of his early career.

Business career

After retiring from professional tennis, Lloyd founded the David Lloyd Leisure group of health and fitness clubs. The company was initially successful, but it ran into financial difficulties in the early 2000s. In 2007, Lloyd sold the company to Whitbread, which later sold it to the private equity firm TDR Capital.

Lloyd has also been involved in a number of other business ventures, including a clothing line, a restaurant chain, and a property development company. He is also a regular commentator on tennis for the BBC.

Personal life

Lloyd is married to Jackie Lloyd and they have two children. He lives in Weybridge, Surrey.

Awards and honors

Lloyd was awarded the MBE in 1974 for his services to British tennis. He was also inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017.