Virginia Wade: any news?

[Mainad]

The 1977 ladies' champion used to be a regular at Wimbledon and would always be interviewed and comment on the proceedings. However I haven't seen or heard from her at Wimbledon in the last couple of years or so and I'm beginning to be a bit concerned. Is it a health issue or has she fallen out with the AELTC over something? Of course I know she's a very private person but just wondered if anybody had heard anything. Googling doesn't bring up any references to her recent absences.

Anybody have any ideas? Would be grateful for any info!

 

[grandefrankie]

Not sure. I am a bit worried too given her age. If she is reaching that point, she might well want to keep it private with her inner circle. Hopefully not though.

 

[Mainad]

Not sure. I am a bit worried too given her age. If she is reaching that point, she might well want to keep it private with her inner circle. Hopefully not though.

She has just turned 79 and is still a few years younger than BJK or Ann Jones who are both constant presences at Wimbledon. Of course age is not always related to state of health so I just hope that is not the issue.

 

[King_olaf_the_hairy]

Here's a video she shot for the Hall of Fame almost exactly a year ago, and there's no sign of any maladies:

She'll be 80 next year, and while many in tennis have continued working long after normal retirement age, maybe she just feels like taking it easy? Media responsibilities entail a workload/schedule that she might not want to take on.


EDIT: the last Getty Images shot of her was with her partner at last year's US Open:

British former tennis player Virginia Wade and partner American...

British former tennis player Virginia Wade and partner American actress Mary Lou Mellace look on during the Men's Singles Final match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Daniil Medvedev of Russia on...

www.gettyimages.co.uk

Any health issues that Mary Lou Mellace is suffering would also affect VW's willingness to travel.

 

[King_olaf_the_hairy]

"I wasn't unhappy to do that" – Virginia Wade on posing nude for 'Girl With A Dolphin' as she reveals herself to be the mystery woman in the famous sculpture in London

Former British tennis player Virginia Wade has revealed herself as the mystery woman in London’s iconic ‘Girl with a Dolphin’ fountain sculpture.

www.sportskeeda.com

OK, bear with me... In the last year she's (a) shot a video for the Hall of Fame as above, and (b) revealed a saucy secret she'd kept private for 50 years. A little part of me does become slightly concerned with the timing of all of this, especially when combined with her stepping back from media work as well. Is she just opening up a little because she's getting older? Or because it was the statue's 50th anniversary? Or is she motivated by something more specific...?

[ IMPORTANT NOTE: this is nothing but idle speculation at the moment. ]

 

[PDJ]

The 1977 ladies' champion used to be a regular at Wimbledon and would always be interviewed and comment on the proceedings. However I haven't seen or heard from her at Wimbledon in the last couple of years or so and I'm beginning to be a bit concerned. Is it a health issue or has she fallen out with the AELTC over something? Of course I know she's a very private person but just wondered if anybody had heard anything. Googling doesn't bring up any references to her recent absences.

Anybody have any ideas? Would be grateful for any info!

I did a Google search, but could find nothing recent. Tomorrow I'm at the funeral of my former club chairman in London. A lovely man that was great friends with a host of tennis players (including John Lloyd, for whom he was an usher at his wedding to Chris Evert). I know of at least one friend who will be there that is a friend, and playing contemporary, of Virginia Wade. So I will make discreet enquiries.
I hope she is ok.

 

[Mainad]

I did a Google search, but could find nothing recent. Tomorrow I'm at the funeral of my former club chairman in London. A lovely man that was great friends with a host of tennis players (including John Lloyd, for whom he was an usher at his wedding to Chris Evert). I know of at least one friend who will be there that is a friend, and playing contemporary, of Virginia Wade. So I will make discreet enquiries.
I hope she is ok.

Thanks, that would be great if only just to know she is ok.

 

[PDJ]

Thanks, that would be great if only just to know she is ok.

I asked John Lloyd about Wade. He said that she had been unwell, but her partner more so.
He will be in New York in the near future and call on her. He said he will let our mutual friend know.

PS, John Lloyd is incredibly personable with an easy charm. And very, very good looking.

 

[Mainad]

I asked John Lloyd about Wade. He said that she had been unwell, but her partner more so.
He will be in New York in the near future and call on her. He said he will let our mutual friend know.

PS, John Lloyd is incredibly personable with an easy charm. And very, very good looking.

Thanks so much for enquiring and for John to see how she is when he goes to New York. Seems she has been having a few health issues from what he told you. Hopefully nothing serious.

 

[grandefrankie]

I asked John Lloyd about Wade. He said that she had been unwell, but her partner more so.
He will be in New York in the near future and call on her. He said he will let our mutual friend know.

PS, John Lloyd is incredibly personable with an easy charm. And very, very good looking.

Oh that is very sad to hear. Thanks for the update.