Orange Lawn Hosts Tournament of 75 & 80-Year-Old Champs

Wimbledon? Too far. The US Open? Sold out. The National 75 & 80-Year-Old Grass Court Championships at Orange Lawn Tennis Club? Free, open to the community, and nearby.

It's the perfect event for those who love tennis or simply want to admire grass courts and players dressed in white. 

Orange Lawn Tennis Club, founded in 1880 and host of the first U.S. National Tennis Championships in 1886, will host the 75 & 80 Grass Court Championships August 23 through 29 in South Orange. This is the thirteenth year that Orange Lawn has hosted the Seniors' tournament, which features nearly 100 players ranging from 75-84 years of age, with many coming from other countries to participate.

According to Will McEntire, Tournament Director, "Orange Lawn Tennis Club is pleased to host this national tournament once again. With the rich tradition of the Club and beautiful grounds, there is a "Wimbeldon-like" feel at the Club, especially with the tournament being played on grass courts and all the players wearing white."

The public is invited to watch the tennis. Matches are expected to start at 10:00 a.m. daily, depending on weather and court conditions. (Since the courts are grass, a damp night can mean a delay while they dry.) Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are expected to be full days of tennis. There is no admission charge, and refreshments are available at the cash-only snack bar.

Orange Lawn Tennis Club is no stranger to professionals on the circuit. Former professional players John McEnroe, Ken Rosewall, Arthur Ashe, Rod Laver, John Newcomb, and others have been acing opponents at Orange Lawn for years.  "Last year," adds McEntire, "we had the number one 80 year-old in the country—Anthony Franco from Briarcliff, New York and the number one 75 year-old—John Powless from Madison, Wisconsin. The best seniors from across the country put this tournament on their calendars and look forward to this event like no other."

Orange Lawn Tennis Club is open to the public only a few times each year. Watching tennis of this calibre close to home without charge is game, set and match for local tennis fans.