Pacific Northwest Open Tennis Championships

Since the beginning in 1891, the tournament has been a yearly tradition, with the exception of a 1945 World War II hiatus. The home of the PNW is the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club. TLTC was formed in 1890 with twenty men attending the first meeting. A group of ladies has been meeting since 1886 with the intent of forming a tennis organization. In 1890, the official Ladies Tennis Club was born, and shared the four grass courts with the men. In 1904, the men’s and women’s clubs joined together to become the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club.

Many famous tennis players have demonstrated their abilities on the clubs’ courts on their way to international fame. Jack Kramer, Sherwood Stewart, Bill Tilden, Pancho Gonzales, Maureen Connolly, Rosie Casals, Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman, Don Budge, and Ted Schroeder.

Arthur Ashe, while stationed at Fort Lewis, lent his talents by playing an exhibition match and umpiring during the PNW Tournament. Dodo Cheney won the women’s singles title in 1972, as her mother, May Sutton Bundy did in 1911 and 1912. May Sutton was the first American to win at Wimbledon (1905). TLTC’s own Patrick Galbraith captured the singles crown in 1985, 1986, and 1990. Pat went on to international acclaim as a doubles player.

The Thorne Cup, donated by founding member of TLTC, Chester Thorne, was first awarded in 1891 to the winner of the men’s finals. It is older than the Davis Cup! The Peggy Haley Trophy, in memory of a member of TLTC who showed great courage in adversity, goes to the best woman player in the PNW.

Thanks to the continued support of our sponsors. The Pacific Northwest Open Tennis Championships has been a leading prize money event in the Northwest. We would not be able to put on a successful tournament without the countless hours of volunteer effort put forth by members of the TLTC. Their gifts of time and talent make this event a joy for players and spectators alike.

To view a list of the 2010 PNW Events, please click here.
To view and print an entry form, please click here.

Mike Politeo - PNW Tournament Director Mike and his family have been members of the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club since 1993. He is a past president of the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club Board of Directors and is a current member of the USTA. 2010 marks the 6th year that Mike will be the tournament director. For information regarding sponsorship please contact Mike Politeo at mikepoliteo@cbbain.com.

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