The March of Dimes Open[1] also known as the March of Dimes Tennis Tournament was an international men's and women's hardcourt tennis tournament founded in 1955.[2] It was first played at the Kona Kai Club, Shelter Island, San Diego, United States. This international tournament was part of the ILTF World Circuit until 1974 when it was discontinued.[1]

March of Dimes Open
Defunct tennis tournament
TourILTF World Circuit (1930–69, 70–72)
ILTF Independent Tour (1970–72) men
Founded1955; 69 years ago (1955)
Abolished1974; 50 years ago (1974)
LocationSan Diego, United States
VenueKona Kai Club
SurfaceHard outdoors

History

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In 1955 the March of Dimes Tennis Tournament was established.[3] The tournament was played on outdoor hard courts at the Kona Kai Club, Shelter Island, San Diego, United States.[1] The combined tournament was played until 1969 as part of the ILTF World Circuit. In 1970 the men's event became part of ILTF Independent Tour,[1] the women's event joined the same tour in 1973 following the creation of the WTA Tour. This tournament was usually played in mid to late January ending early February each year, in 1970 two editions of the event were held the main winter finals, and a March of Dimes Fall Open in November that year for one edition only.[1]

Finals (Winter)

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Men's singles

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(incomplete roll)

Year Winners Runners-up Score
↓  ILTF World Circuit  ↓
1955   Alex Olmedo   Noel Brown 6–1, 6–1, 6–3.[1]
1963   Dennis Ralston   Hugh Stewart 6–3, 6–4.[1]
1964   Allen Fox   Tom Edlefsen 6–2, 6–0.[1]
1966   David Sanderlin[4]   James Rombeau[5] 6–4, 6–4.[1]
1968   Joaquín Loyo-Mayo   Bob Lutz 6–2, 4–6, 8–6.[1]
↓  Open era  ↓
1969   Bill Bond   Joaquín Loyo-Mayo 6–4, 3–6, 6–3.[1]
1970   Roy Barth   Tito Vázquez 6–1, 6–1.[1]

Women's singles

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(incomplete roll)

Year Winners Runners-up Score
↓  ILTF World Circuit  ↓
1961   Kathy Chabot   Karen Hantze 3–6, 6–1, 6–4
1965   Val Ziegenfuss   Paulette Verzin 6–1, 7–9, 6–1
1966   Val Ziegenfuss   Kristien Kemmer 6–1, 6–1
↓  Open era  ↓
1969   Janet Newberry   Mary Struthers 6–2, 6–1.[1]
1970[6]   Nancy Ornstein   Janet Newberry 3–6, 6–4, 7–5
1973   Anne Bruning   Susan Hagey 1–6, 6–1, 6–3

Finals (Fall)

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Men's singles

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Year Winners Runners-up Score
↓  ILTF World Circuit  ↓
1970   Haroon Rahim   Jimmy Connors 6–8, 6–3, 9–7.[1]

Women's singles

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Year Winners Runners-up Score
↓  ILTF World Circuit  ↓
1970   Janet Newberry   Marita Redondo 8–6, 6–1.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Tournaments:March of Dimes Open". The Tennis Base. Tennismem SL. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  2. ^ "March of Dimes Tennis Tourney At Kona Kai". Coronado Eagle and Journal. Coronado, CA: Wikipedia Library – Newspaper Archive. Com. 15 January 1970. p. 11. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  3. ^ Coronado Eagle and Journal
  4. ^ "David Sanderlin : Overview". ATP Tour. ATP. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  5. ^ "Player Profile: James Rombeau USA". www.itftennis.com. ITF. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  6. ^ Wechsler, Bob (2008). Day by Day in Jewish Sports History. Brooklyn, New York: KTAV Publishing House, Inc. p. 39. ISBN 978-0-88125-969-8.