The March of Dimes Open also known as the March of Dimes Tennis Tournament was an international men's and women's hardcourt tennis tournament founded in 1955. 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.
History In 1955 the March of Dimes Tennis Tournament was established.Coronado Eagle and Journal The tournament was played on outdoor hard courts at the Kona Kai Club, Shelter Island, San Diego, United States. 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, 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.
Finals (Winter) Men's singles (incomplete roll) YearWinnersRunners-upScore↓ ILTF World Circuit ↓ 1955 Alex Olmedo Noel Brown6–1, 6–1, 6–3. 1963 Dennis Ralston Hugh Stewart6–3, 6–4. 1964 Allen Fox Tom Edlefsen6–2, 6–0. 1966 David Sanderlin James Rombeau6–4, 6–4. 1968 Joaquín Loyo-Mayo Bob Lutz6–2, 4–6, 8–6.↓ Open era ↓ 1969 Bill Bond Joaquín Loyo-Mayo6–4, 3–6, 6–3. 1970 Roy Barth Tito Vázquez6–1, 6–1.
Women's singles (incomplete roll) YearWinnersRunners-upScore↓ ILTF World Circuit ↓ 1961 Kathy Chabot Karen Hantze 3–6, 6–1, 6–4 1965 Val Ziegenfuss Paulette Verzin6–1, 7–9, 6–1 1966 Val Ziegenfuss Kristien Kemmer 6–1, 6–1↓ Open era ↓ 1969 Janet Newberry Mary Struthers6–2, 6–1. 1970 Nancy Ornstein Janet Newberry3–6, 6–4, 7–5 1973 Anne Bruning Susan Hagey1–6, 6–1, 6–3
Finals (Fall) Men's singles YearWinnersRunners-upScore↓ ILTF World Circuit ↓ 1970 Haroon Rahim Jimmy Connors6–8, 6–3, 9–7. Women's singles YearWinnersRunners-upScore↓ ILTF World Circuit ↓ 1970 Janet Newberry Marita Redondo8–6, 6–1. References