Nestled in the Hollywood-adjacent neighborhood of Hancock Park, Los Angeles Tennis Club (LATC) has been a cornerstone of tennis excellence since 1920. For over a century, LATC has served as a hub for Southern California’s tennis community and welcomed some of the sport’s most legendary figures.
A Historic Foundation
By 1927, LATC boasted 17 hard courts — more than any other club in the world — quickly becoming the epicenter of West Coast tennis. From 1927 to 1975, LATC hosted the Pacific Southwest Championships, attracting icons like Fred Perry, Rod Laver, Arthur Ashe, and Billie Jean King. The tournament became one of the most significant in the country, showcasing the highest levels of competition and cementing LATC’s status as a tennis mecca.
Champions on the Courts
The legacy of LATC is woven with the stories of the sport’s greatest champions. From the early days, the club was home to tennis royalty, including Ellsworth Vines, Bobby Riggs, Jack Kramer, and Ted Schroeder — players who defined American tennis in the 1930s and beyond. The legendary Don Budge graced the courts, while Pancho Gonzales honed his game under the Southern California sun. LATC’s connection to the University of Southern California further bolstered its reputation, helping to produce Hall of Famers like Alex Olmedo, Rafael Osuna, Dennis Ralston, and Stan Smith during the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1963, LATC played host to the Davis Cup tie between USA and Mexico, with the American team emerging victorious. The club also holds the distinction of having more Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles claimed by its members than any other club in the world — a testament to the caliber of players who have called LATC home.
A Cultural Icon
Beyond the sport itself, LATC became a social hub where Hollywood stars like Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, and Groucho Marx mingled with tennis greats. The club’s atmosphere blended athleticism with glamour, creating an enduring cultural legacy.
While LATC’s prominence in professional tennis shifted with the advent of the Open Era and the departure of the Pacific Southwest Championships, the club has undergone a remarkable resurgence in recent decades. Significant investments have revitalized its facilities, including the renovation of the stadium court, new locker rooms, and an upgraded dining area. And with its proximity to Hollywood, LATC has become a popular filming destination, serving as a backdrop for films such as King Richard, among others.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
In 2017, LATC’s indelible mark on the sport was recognized with induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, celebrated in a ceremony attended by tennis luminaries such as Rod Laver, Stan Smith, and Tracy Austin. Los Angeles Tennis Club remains not just a monument to tennis history, but a living testament to the sport’s enduring values of sportsmanship, excellence, and community. Honored and proud to join the Association of Centenary Clubs, we look forward to celebrating our history with the global tennis community.
