Pam Wearne
Pam Wearne was a Legend of Tennis SA and played top division for Reade Park in what would be called State League now and won the Boyce medal twice. The below article courtesy of Resthaven Mitcham.
March 31, 2021
Living through the ‘golden age’ of Australian tennis, Mrs Pam Wearne, now a resident of Resthaven Mitcham, shares some of her fondest memories of her extraordinary career.
Born and raised in Melbourne, Mrs Wearne grew up with a passion for playing tennis.
‘I have played tennis for as long as I can remember. I had the knack for it, which led me to pursue it professionally,’ says Mrs Wearne.
‘Back then, my era was known as the ‘golden age’ of tennis. I remember watching Frank Sedgman, Ken Rosewall, Don Tregonning and Lew Hoad win on the world stage.’
Mrs Wearne won the South Australian Lawn Championships in the 1950s, and represented Victoria in many Wilson Cup Interstate competitions, with some memorable trips to South Australia during that time.
‘In 1953, I reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Championships (now known as the Australian Open), where I fell victim to American player, Maureen Connolly (known as Little Mo), who went on to win the Grand Slam that year.’
‘This performance sent me to thirty-five in the Australian rankings for 1952-53 – something I’ll never forget.’
Mrs Wearne and her husband relocated their family to Adelaide in 1966.
During that time, she became a tennis coach, teaching many South Australian children how to play tennis.
She was also the tennis coach for more than twenty years at Methodist Ladies College, which later became Annesley College.
‘I was more than a coach to those girls, not only giving them a grounding in the game, but teaching them tennis etiquette and sportsmanship – which is important to learn, even if you never play the sport again.’
Pam continued playing at a high level throughout this time and was the number one ranked tennis player in South Australia for several years, winning two Boyce medals for outstanding play and sportsmanship.
You may see them worn proudly around her neck!
‘In 1981, I was selected to represent Australia in the over 50’s Maria Bueno Cup in Austria.’
‘I was the runner up in the over 50 Doubles World Championships, so I finished my career feeling content and accomplished.’
WEARNE, Pamela Loris
22 Oct 1931
25 Jun 2026
Our beautiful Pammie passed away peacefully on 25th June. She will always be in the loving thoughts of her children, Joanne and Ashley and their partners John and Deborah. Pam leaves fond memories with her grandchildren Andrew, Lauren, Alexander and Emily. Great grandchildren Fin, Clementine and newly arrived Jack will carry the best of Pam’s legacy into the future.