John Moyer Heathcote

About the Author:

John Moyer Heathcote (12 July 1834–3 August 1912) was an English barrister and real tennis player. He was one of the committee that devised the original rules of lawn tennis and is credited with devising the cloth covering for the tennis ball. Heathcote was amateur real tennis champion every year until 1882 when the Hon. Alfred Lyttelton ended his long run, although in 1883 he regained the title. After this, Heathcote only won the gold prize once more in 1886 when Lyttleton was unable to play. Heathcote played tennis for many years and in a number of courts after he retired from competition play. He died in 1912.