Can you hear the echoes of roaring crowds? These walls of the West Side Tennis Club have stories to tell. This is not just a tennis club. It’s a stage where legends were made.
The West Side Tennis Club started humbly in 1892. Thirteen members rented land on Central Park West. They built three clay courts and a small clubhouse. The club moved twice to accommodate its growing popularity. In 1912, the West Side Tennis Club found its permanent home in Forest Hills, Queens. The iconic Tudor-style clubhouse was built the following year.
In 1915, the U.S. National Championships moved here. It was later renamed the U.S. Open. The event’s success led to the construction of the 14000-seat stadium in 1923. The stadium’s first event was the International Lawn Tennis Challenge final. The U.S. team defeated Australia.
The West Side Tennis Club hosted the U.S. National Championships for over 60 years. It was from 1915 to 1920 and from 1924 to 1977. Many changes happened here. Seedings were introduced in 1927. Tiebreakers arrived in 1970. Equal prize money for men and women began in 1973. Night play started in 1975.
The Davis Cup finals were held here ten times. This is more than any other venue. The US Pro tournament was held at the venue eleven times. Another prominent tournament, the Tournament of Champions, was held here three times.
But it wasn’t just about tennis at the West Side Tennis Club. The Forest Hills Stadium became a concert venue. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan all played here. Frank Sinatra and the Supremes also graced this stage. Even Jimi Hendrix and the Who rocked this stadium.
After the U.S. Open moved, the stadium declined. By 2011, it was called a crumbling ruin. There was even a plan to replace it with condos. But the community rallied. In 2013, the stadium reopened as a concert venue. Mumford & Sons played the inaugural concert.
Extensive renovations revitalized the venue. New seats were installed. A permanent stage was built. The concourse was expanded. Unique VIP lounges were created.
The West Side Tennis Club has also appeared on film. Alfred Hitchcock’s “Strangers on a Train” was filmed here. Scenes from Wes Anderson’s “The Royal Tenenbaums” were also shot here.
Today, the West Side Tennis Club thrives. It has 38 courts on all four surfaces. There are clay, Har-Tru, grass, and hard courts. It also boasts a junior Olympic-size swimming pool. The West Side Tennis Club hosts regular social events for its members. The West Side Tennis Club remains a vibrant part of Forest Hills. It is a place where tennis history and music memories intertwine.