Fred Covey

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Fred Covey (dates?) was world champion from 1916(?) until 1928 at real tennis, the original racquet sport from which the modern game of lawn tennis (which has usurped the name "tennis"), is descended.

Covey was a professional, who, apart from service in the Great War, spent his career at Lady Wentworth's private court at Crabbet Park, in Sussex.

Covey won the championship in 1912 from Cecil Fairs, lost it in 1914 (how?) to Jay Gould, regained in 1916 (or 1920?) (how?) and defended it successfully in 1922 and 1923 against Walter Kinsella and in 1927 by 7 sets to 5 against the great Pierre Etchebaster at Prince's Club. He finally lost it 5-7 to Etchebaster in 1928 at Prince's, who then held it until 1952.