Orange Lawn Senior Tournament Open to Public

Wimbledon? Too far. The U.S. Open? Sold out. The National 75 & 80-Year-Old Grass Court Championships at Orange Lawn Tennis Club? Free, open to the community and nearby make this a 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 this week in South Orange.

This is the 13th year Orange Lawn has hosted the seniors' tournament, which features nearly 100 players ranging from 75 to 84 years of age, with many coming from other countries to participate.

"Orange Lawn Tennis Club is pleased to host this national tournament once again," said Will McEntire, the tournament's director. "With the rich tradition of the club and beautiful grounds, there is a 'Wimbledon-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 each day at 10 a.m., depending on weather and court conditions. 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, which is only open to the public several times a year, is no stranger to professionals players. Former pros John McEnroe, Ken Rosewall, Arthur Ashe, Rod Laver, John Newcombe and others have all taken to the South Orange club's courts over the years.

"Last year, we had the No. 1 80-year-old in the country, Anthony Franco from Briarcliff, N.Y., and the No. 1 75-year-old, John Powless from Madison, Wis.," McEntire said. "The best seniors from across the country put this tournament on their calendars and look forward to this event like no other."