The 1973 NCNB Tennis Classic Brought a World Class Field to Olde Providence

By Mike Holder:

Imagine hosting a tournament in which players who accounted for 18 career singles grand slam titles competed for the championship. In the modern era, that type of draw would typically only be seen at a major or perhaps a Masters 1000 tournament.  However, from April 17–22, 1973, that is exactly what occurred at Olde Providence Racquet Club.

It was the third edition of the North Carolina National Bank Tennis Classic (also known as the Charlotte or Carolinas Tennis Classic), and greats such as Arthur Ashe, Ken Rosewall, Tony Roche, Fred Stolle, Roscoe Tanner, Tom Okker, and Jan Kodes competed in the 32-man draw.

The tournament was part of the World Championship Tennis circuit which was divided into two groups of players who competed in eleven tournaments each, from January through May. The top four players would go on to compete in the season-ending Finals. The remainder of the year, players would migrate to the Grand Prix Circuit, which was managed by the International Lawn Tennis Federation.

Julian J. Clark Stadium was alive with energy as fans witnessed many of the top seeds advance. The level of competition was established early as Roger Taylor defeated multiple grand slam champion Tony Roche in the first round. The number one British player, and five-seed advanced after a thrilling 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 win.

The crowd bore witness to a 22-year-old Roscoe Tanner and one of the biggest serves the sport has ever known. Tanner would clock a 153 mph serve in 1978, with much different equipment than today. The Tennessee native had a good run in the tournament, advancing to the semifinals where he lost to Rosewall in a tight three-setter.

Hard-fought, compelling, and competitive tennis was on the schedule each day, but two legends came through unscathed to meet in the Final. Rosewall, the Australian, entered the Final with 8 grand slam championships already under his belt. He would defend his 1972 title against the iconic Ashe, who had earned titles at the US Open and Australia earlier in his career. Ashe would go on to win at Wimbledon in 1975, as well.

In the Final, the 38-year-old Rosewall found his stride midway through the first set. He won the last three games of the opening set to close it out and parlayed his momentum to a 4-2 lead in the second. However, the American fought back to force a second-set tiebreak. But Rosewall was not to be denied, rolling 7-1 in the breaker. He took the $10,000 prize money after his 6–3, 7–6 (7–1) victory.
The team of Tom Okker and Marty Riessen won the doubles title, defeating Tom Gorman and Erik Van Dillen 7-6, 3-6, 6-3.

The 1973 NCNB Tennis Classic showcased some tennis greats at various stages of their careers. It is one of many exciting events held at the club over the years and is a part of Olde Providence Racquet Club’s rich tennis history.

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