John Lumley is a British Real Tennis player. He became a Real Tennis professional in 2010 after finishing his A levels at Windsor Boys School. He then went to Radley, working with Chris Ronaldson, and was there for three years. Lumley then moved to the US and began working at The Racquet Club of Philadelphia, where he’s been for nearly a decade.

PLAYER STATS

Birthday: August 7, 1992

Nickname: The Hare

L/R Handed: Right

TOURNAMENT AND MATCH HIGHLIGHTS*

Lumley is ranked 6th in the world and has four French Open Doubles titles, one Australian Open Doubles title, and one British Open Doubles title. He won the IRTPA Championships in 2018, which was his first professional ranked singles title.

*As of 2022

FUN FACTS

• In addition to Real Tennis, Lumley plays Rackets, squash, doubles squash and golf

• He keeps a colourful assortment of headbands in his racquet bag so he can choose whichever colour scheme he’s feeling in any given day

• Lumley’s pre-match routine includes a banana an hour before he plays, a shower half an hour before he plays, and a warm up to his favourite playlist

• He given the nickname “The Hare” because of his speed on court and obsession with keeping his hair in place during matches

T&RA INTERVIEW ANSWERS

When and how did you get involved in Real Tennis?

“My parents played Real Tennis so I grew up watching them. We used to go to Holyport on Sunday mornings and get out on court as young kids.”

Why do you love Real Tennis?

“Love the community that the game has, you can go to any club and stay with strangers but the fact that you both play Real Tennis brings you instantly closer. The amazing places the game takes you, as well – it’s a hard life going to Paris and Melbourne every year!”

Which famous person would you love to see play Real Tennis?

“It would be great to see Connor McGregor out on court. His athleticism would be fun to see, as would how his positive energy and trash talking would come across in Real Tennis.”