We are deeply saddened to share the news of the recent passing of former player, volunteer and official Tom Baron.

Tom had a distinguished playing career, which includes representing Great Britain since 2012 in the Over 80’s and Over 85’ age-groups. At the 2017 World Championships in Florida, Tom won a Mixed Doubles bronze medal and was part of the Great Britain 85 & Over bronze medal winning team in 2018 and 2019.  Tom was a former Tennis Lancashire Councillor and past President and has dedicated years of service to tennis in the County. One of the highlights was his many years organising the County Veterans’ tournament, which took place annually until the event combined with the juniors to become the Lancashire Tennis Championships. Tom represented Lancashire many times and also started the annual Christmas Seniors get-together, events that still happen to this day.  In 2022 Tom won the Tennis Lancashire Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to tennis in Lancashire.

Tom as a White Badge Official, umpired at Wimbledon and the US Open, including Jennifer Capriati’s first professional match. At the All England Club, he served both as a Chair Umpire (pictured above during a match featuring Jimmy Connors) and as a Line Umpire as part of the 1994 Ladies’ Singles Final line team for Martina Navratilova vs. Conchita Martínez.

The celebration of Tom’s life will be a private family occasion. We have extended our sincere condolences to his wife, Christine, and to all his family.