David Mercer (broadcaster)

David Mercer (15 April 1950 – 26 August 2020)[1] was a Welsh television sports presenter.

For other people named David Mercer, see David Mercer (disambiguation).

Early life

Mercer was born in Swansea and educated at Dynevor School,[2] at the time a state grammar school known as Dynevor Secondary Grammar School.[3] He went on to the University of Nottingham in the city of Nottingham. He played most sports at school and university, and won the Welsh junior doubles at tennis in 1968. In 1969, he was captain of the Nottingham University tennis team. He graduated in 1972 and qualified as a solicitor in 1973.

Life and career

Mercer was a partner in a large solicitors’ firm in Swansea for nine years. He became a freelance sports reporter after winning a competition organised by BBC Wales in 1979, for a time combining this work with his legal practice and with public relations duties for the Law Society. Mercer began his tennis commentary career on BBC radio. From 1992, Mercer commentated on tennis for BBC Television, including the Wimbledon men's singles finals in 1999 and 2000. He also commentated for many years for Eurosport. Mercer commentated on other sports including badminton, football, rowing, skiing, and American football.

Mercer played racquet sports, rugby, football and cricket. Later in his life, he played golf. He umpired at tennis including Wimbledon from 1973 to 1984, notably the men's singles final at Wimbledon in 1984, won by John McEnroe against Jimmy Connors. He was the only person to have both umpired and commentated on a Wimbledon men’s singles final.[4]

Personal life

Mercer lived in Wendover in Buckinghamshire, with his third wife Sue. He had one daughter, Caroline, from his first marriage, two stepchildren, Liz and Chris, and four grandchildren.[1]

Mercer died on 26 August 2020, at the age of 70.[4][5]

References
  1. "David Mercer obituary". The Times. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  2. "David Mercer, sports commentator". www.DynevorRevisited.org.uk. Archived from the original on 7 July 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  3. "The History of Dynevor School". www.DynevorRevisited.org.uk. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  4. "Obituary: David Mercer". International Tennis Federation. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
  5. "David Mercer: BBC commentator and former Wimbledon umpire dies aged 70". BBC Sport. BBC. 27 August 2020.
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