Built on Community

The place where Forest Hills finds connection, activity, and peace.

The West Side Tennis Club was founded in 1892 to create a place where people could gather, compete, and build lasting relationships through tennis. While our grounds have hosted U.S. Open champions and legendary concerts, our legacy lives in the people who've made this their second home.

A Community That
Grows With You

In 1923, we built America's first tennis stadium to accommodate crowds who wanted to watch great tennis.

Today, we maintain nearly 12 acres of green space for a similar reason: players and families need room to grow, play, and connect. Our 38 courts across grass, clay, Har-Tru, synthetic grass, and DecoTurf provide variety for members at every skill level.

We've since rebuilt six of those courts from the ground up and upgraded lighting on four more, so the surfaces our members play on today are as sound as the history behind them.

Whether you're picking up a racquet for the first time or you've played for decades, you'll find courts and programs that match where you are.

1892

Founding of The West Side Tennis Club

Thirteen members organized the club on April 22, 1892, renting two dirt courts on Central Park West. By the end of that first season, membership had grown to 43 people across four courts.

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1913/1914

The Tudor Clubhouse Opens

The club moves to Forest Hills Gardens and opens the Tudor-style clubhouse that still anchors the property today.

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1915

The First National Championships

The U.S. National Championships (later the U.S. Open) transfer from the Newport Casino to West Side, beginning a six-decade run as the tournament's home.

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1923

America's First Tennis Stadium

The club builds the country's first tennis stadium in just four months, opening with the inaugural Wightman Cup.

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1928

The First Grand Slam

Don Budge wins all four major championships in the same year, becoming the first player in tennis history to complete a Grand Slam.

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1968

Arthur Ashe's Grand Slam

Ashe wins the first U.S. Open at West Side, becoming the first Black man to win a Grand Slam singles title.

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1977

The Final U.S. Open at West Side

West Side hosts the U.S. Open for the last time, closing out 62 years as the tournament's home.

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2000

The Pool Opens

West Side opens its pool complex, extending the club's daily life to families.

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2013

The Stadium's Second Act

Following a renovation, Forest Hills Stadium reopens for concerts with Mumford & Sons, launching the era of live music that continues today.

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2020

The Bud Collins Tennis Library

The West Side becomes home to the personal tennis collection of writer and broadcaster Bud Collins, one of the most complete tennis archives in the country.

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Maintaining the Vision

When Arthur Ashe made history here in 1968, he did so on grass courts that had been maintained for generations. Those same courts now host beginner clinics where parents play alongside their children.

Our historic stadium once hosted the U.S. Open. Today it brings world-class concerts to your neighborhood.

The Tudor clubhouse where champions once prepared for matches now serves families who spend summer evenings here after a day at the pool.

We've evolved from a tennis-only focus to include platform tennis, pickleball, and comprehensive social programming. We've stayed true to what we've always done: build community through shared activity.
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Excellence Through Welcoming

We affirm our mission with every member interaction, from first tour to continuing renewal:

We deliver an outstanding member experience, distinguished by leading tennis and racquet facilities, engaging programming, exceptional service, and a welcoming environment that honors the club's rich heritage and tradition.

Experience Our Legacy Yourself

We've created space for connection in the heart of New York City. See how it can serve your future.

Request Your Club Tour →
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