Jo Durie turned down £25,000 to play in Australia because of her brother’s wedding

Jo Durie was the British No 1 ladies’s participant for many of her profession, successful two Grand Slam titles in combined doubles with Jeremy Bates: at Wimbledon in 1987 and the Australian Open in 1991. 

She was additionally the second British lady after Virginia Wade to win 1,000,000 {dollars} in prize cash, writes Peter Robertson. 

Jo retired in 1995 and have become a coach and BBC commentator. Now 63, she is a senior efficiency coach and mentor for the Distinctive Tennis Academy at Hazelwood Sports activities Membership, in North London, the place she lives.

What did your mother and father train you about cash?

There was by no means a lot cash after I was youthful. I’ve obtained three brothers. We had been informed by no means to waste cash or purchase something you couldn’t afford. My dad labored for Lloyds Financial institution and at all times mentioned: ‘Pay issues off, pay folks again, by no means owe something.’

What was your first pay packet?

For the junior nationals at Eastbourne in 1972 and 73, I feel I received £30, however it may need been extra like a tenner. Within the last I beat my nice rival and pal Debbie Jevans, who’s now the boss at Wimbledon.

Have you ever ever struggled to make ends meet?

Sure. When at 16 I left faculty and moved to London, my mother and father couldn’t give me a lot cash. I obtained assist from the LTA (Garden Tennis Affiliation) however it was tight till I began successful at 18.

Have you ever ever been paid foolish cash?

As soon as in 1984 I used to be supplied £25,000 [almost £80,000 today] to fly enterprise class to Australia for a weekend to play an exhibition occasion, I feel with Steffi Graf and two male gamers. However I might have missed my brother Christopher’s wedding ceremony, so I mentioned no. I hope he appreciated it!

What’s been the very best yr of your monetary life?

It was 1983/84. I used to be attending to the semi-finals of Grand Slams, the prize cash went up, I moved as much as World No.5, and I obtained nice sponsorship offers. That meant I may afford to go from a flat to the home that I’m nonetheless residing in.

Are you a spender or saver?

Saver. I like good issues, however I like to make sure I don’t go too far out of my consolation zone.

What’s the costliest factor you purchased for enjoyable?

In 2001, I made a decision to purchase a Mini Cooper for £12,000. That was essentially the most ridiculous resolution as a result of at 6ft tall I may hardly match myself and my tennis and golf gear into it. I stored it for a yr.

What’s your largest cash mistake?

Within the 80s after I began to do effectively, I used to be very naive and invested in a few issues that buddies of buddies mentioned, ‘This might be good to spend money on’. However they had been tasks that by no means obtained off the bottom and I misplaced about £20,000. These days I’d ask extra questions.

The very best cash resolution you’ve made?

Paying my £68,000 mortgage off in 1984/85 after I began incomes some huge cash.

Do you continue to have a pension?

Sure, and I’ve been shocked at how effectively it’s performed. I haven’t withdrawn from it. I’m not married and haven’t obtained any children, so I’m not panicking about having sufficient cash in case one thing goes mistaken with my well being.

Do you personal any property?

My home in London. It has three bedrooms and a stunning little backyard. Years in the past I used to be tempted to purchase property in La Manga, Spain, the place I generally coach and play golf however I by no means did and I remorse it.

Do you donate cash to charity?

Sure. I’ve three cats and donate to the RSPCA. Additionally to the RNLI and North London Hospice.

What would you will have performed if tennis hadn’t labored out?

I used to be fairly curious about being a physiotherapist – that was my back-up plan.

However fortunately at 18 I met my fantastic coach Alan Jones (who died in April) and was capable of get sponsorship. We by no means had a contract – our relationship was constructed on belief.

To what extent do you’re feeling prize cash impacts the motivation of gamers?

In my day all of us needed to play tournaments to get sufficient cash to journey and have a coach. These days the cash is implausible, however I see numerous tournaments the place gamers pull out and also you marvel what it means to them.

Do you suppose ladies ought to get equal prize cash?

Sure. We give our all, and in the event you needed us to additionally play better of five-set matches (moderately than three-sets) we’d.

You’re the second British feminine participant to win 1,000,000 {dollars} in prize cash – how did you’re feeling about that?

After I heard that I used to be actually amazed and proud. It was robust to get to that time and I fought like mad. When Jeremy [Bates] and I received the Wimbledon combined doubles we obtained £25,000 to separate between us – I handled myself and my household, went on vacation, and purchased some shares.

Would you will have received extra had you not performed alongside Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf?

I don’t know. There have been different good gamers as effectively. I by no means beat Martina or Chrissie, however it was a privilege to play after they did, and likewise Steffi, it made me play higher.

Tennis prize cash is far increased now – would you moderately be competing at present?

I’m unsure. I used to be fortunate to develop up when there was an beginner really feel to the sport, and wood rackets. We didn’t have social media then which I’m glad about. I beloved my profession within the time it was and I’d stick with that.

Should you had been the brand new Chancellor, what would you do?

I might select to ban inheritance tax.

What’s your prime indulgence?

Good golf stuff and programs. Though I’m very common at it, I like a time out taking part in golf with my mates. My handicap is round 15. I’ve been too aggressive in my tennis profession to fret about being aggressive at golf. I’d prefer to have been a golfer – it might have been marvellous to not should run anyplace!

What’s your primary monetary precedence?

To verify I’ve obtained sufficient cash to really feel protected if one thing occurs with my well being.

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