Tennis Ireland


Tennis Ireland is the governing body for tennis for the island of Ireland, with responsibilities for clubs and competitions. It was founded in 1908 and has almost 180 affiliated clubs and with approximately 80,000 players. Tennis Ireland is divided into four Branches corresponding to the four provinces of Ireland, with its national headquarters located on the campus of Dublin City University. Tennis Ireland governs the Davis Cup team">Ireland Davis Cup team">Davis Cup team and the Ireland [Billie Jean King Cup team].
Image:Bundesarchiv Bild 102-13555, Davis-Pokal, Gottfried von Cramm und Rogers.jpg|thumb|right|Gottfried von Cramm and C.S. Rogers at a Davis Cup match, June, 1932 in Berlin

History

Tennis Ireland was formed in 1908 as the Irish Lawn Tennis Association, a federation of 14 Irish tennis clubs. It became independent of the Lawn Tennis Association following the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922.

Competitions

  • Davis Cup
  • Fed Cup team|Fed Cup]

    Notable winners of the Irish Championships/Irish Open

Below is a list of Irish Championships/Irish Open winners some of whom were also Grand Slam finalists or former World No. 1 tennis players.

Men's

Image:Billy Jean Moffitt.jpg|thumb|right|Billy Jean Moffitt at the Irish Open at Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club, Dublin in the 1960s

Irish Major Tournament Champions

Below is a list of Irish grand slam, Davis Cup, and Olympic champions. In total an Irish player has won a singles grand slam on eight occasions, a doubles grand slam on five occasions and a mixed doubles grand slam on four occasions. Irish players have won six Olympic medals in tennis. Eight Irish individuals have either won a grand slam event or an Olympic medal in tennis. All of these victories occurred prior to Ireland's secession from the United [Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|United Kingdom]; as such these individuals competed under the flag of the United Kingdom rather than the Flag of Ireland.

List of Irish Grand Slam Men's Singles Champions

Wimbledon

Wimbledon

Wimbledon

US Open

Wimbledon

Bronze: 1900 Men's Doubles*
*Participants competed for the British Isles

Irish Champions of Major professional tennis tournaments before the Open Era

Before the advent of the Open era of tennis competitions in April 1968, only amateurs were allowed to compete in established tournaments, including the four majors. However, many top tennis players turned professional to play legally for prize money in the years before the open era. There were also major pro events, where the world's top professional male players often played. These tournaments held with a certain tradition and longevity. According to Ellsworth Vines, "the Wembley tournament in London..., the U.S. professional championship, and to some extent the tournament in Paris were the major professional tournaments prior to 1968." Below is a list of Irish Champions at these events.

Men's Doubles Champions

French Pro Championship