One of South Africa’s leading tennis players of the post-war era, Sheila Summers, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday night in Johannesburg. She was 86.
In 1947, Summers was the first South Africa woman to reach a Wimbledon semifinal and two years later, along with Eric Sturgess, became the first South African to win a Wimbledon title.
In that mixed-doubles final, the South Africans prevented John Bromwich and Louise Brough from completing a hat-trick of wins when they downed the Australian/American pairing 9-7 9-11 7-5 in what was the longest final to date.
The pair also captured two French Open mixed-doubles titles — in 1947 and 1949.
In 1947, Summers became the first South African woman to have a top-five world ranking. The top spot was held by American Margaret du Pont.
Summers also won the South African Open four times and the Swiss Open three times in a row. She coached the South African Federation Cup team as well as two junior Wimbledon champions — Joan Cross and Ilana Kloss.
She continued to coach for most of her life until hip problems set in. Two weeks ago, Summers had hip-replacement surgery to one hip. Just after that, she experienced problems with her other hip and she had to have a second operation.
Summers is survived by her son, Rohan; grandchildren Cindy (also a top South African tennis player), Brad and Brett; and one great-grandchild. — Sapa