Tzaneen resident played tennis at Wimbledon
With the Wimbledon tournament under way, Letaba Herald spoke to a Tzaneen resident, Audrey Wilson (then Bilse), who traveled to England and participated at Wimbledon back in 1953.
Audrey sold all her belongings and gave up her job as a clerk-typist to sail to England.
With a friend, Joan Scott, they participated in British and continental tennis tournaments as two of five “unofficial” South African representatives in overseas tennis.
She was only six years old when she won her first tennis tournament.
The now 90-year old Audrey has made her dreams come true by playing on Wimbledon‘s courts.
“I loved it. The atmosphere was terrific and the organisation absolutely wonderful. I met people from all over the world,” Audrey said about Wimbledon.
She also said that they had a special place to sit when they visited.
According to Audrey she received a commemorative trophy from the British queen.
The queen’s coronation took place in 1953 which makes the trophy very special.
Of the South Africans who received trophies like these, Audrey is the only person who is still alive.
With other South African tennis players, the tennis star sailed around Africa on different boats.
Her favourite places she has visited include Norway and Swedan.
“Going on the boat, I didn’t want to just play tennis all the time. I wanted to tour as well,” said Audrey.
Audrey has been housed at God’s Haven in Tzaneen for the last year.
