José Luis Clerc (born August 16 1958 in Buenos Aires) was an Argentine professional tennis player, and one of the most important Argentine players in history.
Right handed, Batata Clerc started playing professionally in 1977, and won 25 ATP Titles, and retired in 1988. His highest rank was World No. 4 in August 4 1981, following a run of 27 victories and 4 titles in one month, and had year-ending rankings 8th in 1980, 5th in 1981, 6th in 1982, and 8th in 1983.
Clerc represented Argentina for the Davis Cup from 1976 to 1989. With team mate Guillermo Vilas, Argentina was runner up of the 1981 Davis Cup losing 3-1 to United States in Cincinnati. He defeated Roscoe Tanner in a singles match, but lost to John McEnroe, and to Fleming/McEnroe in doubles with Vilas.
Also with Vilas and Carlos Gattiker, Argentina won the 1980 World Team Cup, beating Italy 3-0 in Buenos Aires.
He received the ATP Sportsmanship Award of 1981, and Argentine Konex Awards in 1980 and 1990 for Merit in Tennis.
Clerc currently runs a tennis school in Argentina, participates in Senior tournaments, and works as a TV commentator.
He also coaches Julia Cohen, a top American junior player.
