David Mercer (broadcaster)

Education

From 1960 to 1967, Mercer was educated at Dynevor School, at the time a state grammar school known as Dynevor Secondary Grammar School, in Swansea in South Wales, followed by the University of Nottingham in the city of Nottingham in central England. He played most sports at school and university, and won the Welsh Junior Doubles at tennis in 1968. In 1969 he was captain of the Nottingham University tennis team. He graduated in 1970 and qualified as a solicitor in 1973.

Life and career

Mercer ran his own firm in Swansea for nine years. He became a freelance sports reporter after winning a competition organised by BBC Wales in 1979, for a time combining this with his legal practice and with public relations duties for the Law Society. Mercer began his tennis commentary career on BBC radio. Since 1992 Mercer has commentated on tennis for BBC Television and he commentated on Wimbledon men's singles finals for BBC in 1999 and 2000. He also commentated for many years for Eurosport. Mercer has commentated on other sports including badminton, soccer, rowing, skiing and American football.

Mercer also played racquet sports, rugby, soccer and cricket. He also played golf. He umpired at tennis including Wimbledon from 1973 to 1984, notably the men's singles final at Wimbledon in 1984, won by John McEnroe against Jimmy Connors.

Personal life

Mercer lived in Wendover in Buckinghamshire, with his wife, Sue. He had one daughter, Caroline, who was born in April 1978, two stepchildren, Liz and Chris, and four grandchildren.