A former British number five, he represented Great Britain in the Davis Cup in 1956 and 1957 and played in every Wimbledon Championships between 1950 and 1970.

Alongside his playing career, John was also a highly-respected tennis coach and administrator.

At the end of his playing days, he turned to the microphone and commentated on his first Wimbledon for BBC TV in 1971. He has not missed a year since.

John has also worked for TV networks in Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and America, as tennis correspondent for the Financial Times, and is the author of many books on the game.

Outside of tennis, John lists his interests as music, theatre and reading.