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

Jo Durie was the British No 1 women’s player for most of her career, winning two Grand Slam titles in mixed doubles with Jeremy Bates: at Wimbledon in 1987 and the Australian Open in 1991. 

She was also the second British woman after Virginia Wade to win a million dollars in prize money, writes Peter Robertson. 

Jo retired in 1995 and became a coach and BBC commentator. Now 63, she is a senior performance coach and mentor for the Unique Tennis Academy at Hazelwood Sports Club, in North London, where she lives.

What did your parents teach you about money?

There was never much money when I was younger. I’ve got three brothers. We were told never to waste money or buy anything you couldn’t afford. My dad worked for Lloyds Bank and always said: ‘Pay things off, pay people back, never owe anything.’

What was your first pay packet?

For the junior nationals at Eastbourne in 1972 and 73, I think I won £30, but it might have been more like a tenner. In the final I beat my great rival and friend Debbie Jevans, who is now the boss at Wimbledon.

Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

Yes. When at 16 I left school and moved to London, my parents couldn’t give me much money. I got help from the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) but it was tight until I started winning at 18.

Have you ever been paid silly money?

Once in 1984 I was offered £25,000 [almost £80,000 today] to fly business class to Australia for a weekend to play an exhibition event, I think with Steffi Graf and two male players. But I would have missed my brother Christopher’s wedding, so I said no. I hope he appreciated it!

What’s been the best year of your financial life?

It was 1983/84. I was getting to the semi-finals of Grand Slams, the prize money went up, I moved up to World No.5, and I got great sponsorship deals. That meant I could afford to go from a flat to the house that I’m still living in.

Are you a spender or saver?

Saver. I like nice things, but I like to ensure I don’t go too far out of my comfort zone.

What’s the most expensive thing you bought for fun?

In 2001, I decided to buy a Mini Cooper for £12,000. That was the most ridiculous decision because at 6ft tall I could hardly fit myself and my tennis and golf gear into it. I kept it for a year.

What’s your biggest money mistake?

In the 80s when I started to do well, I was very naive and invested in a couple of things that friends of friends said, ‘This would be good to invest in’. But they were projects that never got off the ground and I lost about £20,000. Nowadays I’d ask more questions.

The best money decision you’ve made?

Paying my £68,000 mortgage off in 1984/85 when I started earning a lot of money.

Do you still have a pension?

Yes, and I’ve been surprised at how well it’s done. I haven’t withdrawn from it. I’m not married and haven’t got any kids, so I’m not panicking about having enough money in case something goes wrong with my health.

Do you own any property?

My house in London. It has three bedrooms and a lovely little garden. Years ago I was tempted to buy property in La Manga, Spain, where I sometimes coach and play golf but I never did and I regret it.

Do you donate money to charity?

Yes. I have three cats and donate to the RSPCA. Also to the RNLI and North London Hospice.

What would you have done if tennis hadn’t worked out?

I was quite interested in being a physiotherapist – that was my back-up plan.

But luckily at 18 I met my wonderful coach Alan Jones (who died in April) and was able to get sponsorship. We never had a contract – our relationship was built on trust.

To what extent do you feel prize money affects the motivation of players?

In my day we all had to play tournaments to get enough money to travel and have a coach. Nowadays the money is fantastic, but I see a lot of tournaments where players pull out and you wonder what it means to them.

Do you think women should get equal prize money?

Yes. We give our all, and if you wanted us to also play best of five-set matches (rather than three-sets) we would.

You’re the second British female player to win a million dollars in prize money – how did you feel about that?

When I heard that I was really amazed and proud. It was tough to get to that point and I fought like mad. When Jeremy [Bates] and I won the Wimbledon mixed doubles we received £25,000 to split between us – I treated myself and my family, went on holiday, and bought some shares.

Would you have won more had you not played alongside Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf?

I don’t know. There were other good players as well. I never beat Martina or Chrissie, but it was a privilege to play when they did, and also Steffi, it made me play better.

Tennis prize money is much higher now – would you rather be competing today?

I’m not sure. I was lucky to grow up when there was an amateur feel to the game, and wooden rackets. We didn’t have social media then which I’m glad about. I loved my career in the time it was and I’d stay with that.

If you were the new Chancellor, what would you do?

I would choose to ban inheritance tax.

What is your top indulgence?

Nice golf stuff and courses. Even though I’m very average at it, I like a day out playing golf with my mates. My handicap is around 15. I’ve been too competitive in my tennis career to worry about being competitive at golf. I’d like to have been a golfer – it would have been marvellous not to have to run anywhere!

What is your number one financial priority?

To make sure I’ve got enough money to feel safe if something happens with my health.

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