The Pros: The Forgotten Era of Tennis

In the early days of tennis, the sport was strictly amateur. Players were not allowed to compete for money, and any who did were considered outlaws. In the 1920s, a group of professional tennis players emerged who challenged this status quo. They called themselves The Pros, and they played some of the most exciting tennis of the era.

The Pros: The Forgotten Era Of Tennis

by Robert Bruce Thompson

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16993 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	434 pages

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The Pros were led by Bill Tilden, Ellsworth Vines, and Don Budge. These three players were all considered to be among the greatest tennis players in the world, and they drew huge crowds to their matches. The Pros played a fast-paced, attacking style of tennis that was a stark contrast to the more conservative style of play that was common at the time.

The Pros were not recognized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF),the governing body of tennis. The ITF considered The Pros to be outlaws, and they were not allowed to compete in any of the ITF's tournaments. This did not stop The Pros from playing, however. They organized their own tournaments, and they drew large crowds of fans.

The Pros had a major impact on the development of tennis. They helped to popularize the sport, and they paved the way for the open era of tennis, which began in 1968. The open era allowed professional players to compete in ITF tournaments, and it led to a boom in the popularity of tennis.

The Pros are often forgotten today, but they played a major role in the development of tennis. They were pioneers who challenged the status quo, and they helped to make tennis the popular sport that it is today.

Bill Tilden

Bill Tilden was one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He won 10 Grand Slam singles titles, and he was ranked world No. 1 for six consecutive years. Tilden was known for his aggressive style of play, and he was one of the first players to use the two-handed backhand.

Tilden was also a controversial figure. He was known for his outspokenness, and he often clashed with the ITF. In 1931, Tilden was suspended from playing tennis for six months after he made critical comments about the ITF. Despite his suspension, Tilden continued to play professionally, and he remained one of the top players in the world.

Tilden retired from professional tennis in 1938, but he continued to play for many years. He died in 1953, at the age of 61.

Ellsworth Vines

Ellsworth Vines was another great tennis player of the 1920s and 1930s. He won the US Open singles title in 1931, and he was ranked world No. 1 for two consecutive years. Vines was known for his powerful serve and his aggressive style of play.

Vines turned professional in 1934, and he joined The Pros. He played professionally for several years, and he was one of the top players in the world. Vines retired from professional tennis in 1941, and he died in 1994.

Don Budge

Don Budge was the third member of the "big three" of The Pros. He won the US Open singles title in 1937, and he was ranked world No. 1 for four consecutive years. Budge was known for his all-court game, and he was one of the most complete players of his era.

Budge turned professional in 1938, and he joined The Pros. He played professionally for several years, and he was one of the top players in the world. Budge retired from professional tennis in 1946, and he died in 2000.

The Legacy of The Pros

The Pros were a group of pioneering tennis players who helped to popularize the sport. They played some of the most exciting tennis of the era, and they paved the way for the open era of tennis. The Pros are often forgotten today, but they played a major role in the development of tennis.

The Pros left a lasting legacy on the sport of tennis. They helped to make tennis more popular, and they inspired a generation of players. The Pros were true pioneers, and they deserve to be remembered for their contributions to the sport.

The Pros: The Forgotten Era Of Tennis

by Robert Bruce Thompson

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16993 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	434 pages

FREE