US Open 1951: When Tennis First Paid Its Champions

On September 3rd, 1951, the United States Open Tennis Championships, now known as the US Open, made history by becoming the first Grand Slam tournament to award prize money to its champions. This groundbreaking decision revolutionized the sport of tennis and paved the way for the professionalization of the game.

The tournament, held at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, New York, featured a star-studded lineup of players from around the world. In the men's singles final, the legendary Australian tennis player Frank Sedgman faced off against his compatriot Ken McGregor. Sedgman, known for his powerful serves and aggressive playing style, had already won the Australian Open and Wimbledon earlier that year and was aiming to complete a remarkable Grand Slam.

The final was a thrilling battle between two of the game's greatest players. Sedgman's serve was in top form, and he dominated the first two sets, winning them 6-4 and 6-3. However, McGregor refused to give up and fought back valiantly in the third set, pushing it to a tiebreaker. Sedgman's experience and composure ultimately prevailed, and he closed out the match with a 7-5 victory in the tiebreaker, securing his place in history as the first US Open champion to receive prize money.

In the women's singles final, American star Maureen Connolly, nicknamed "Little Mo," faced off against her rival, Doris Hart. Connolly, who had already won the Australian Open and Wimbledon that year, was also seeking to complete a historic Grand Slam. The match was a display of exceptional tennis, with both players showcasing their skills and determination. Connolly's powerful groundstrokes and aggressive net play proved too much for Hart, and she clinched the title with a 6-3, 6-4 victory, becoming the first woman to win the US Open and receive prize money.

The decision to award prize money at the 1951 US Open was a significant milestone in the history of tennis. The men's singles champion, Frank Sedgman, received a check for $4,000, while Maureen Connolly, the women's singles champion, received $1,000. Although the prize money was relatively modest compared to today's standards, it marked a crucial step towards the professionalization of the sport and the recognition of tennis players as legitimate athletes deserving of financial compensation.

The 1951 US Open also highlighted the dominance of Australian tennis players during that era. Frank Sedgman and Ken McGregor's all-Australian final was a testament to the strength and depth of talent coming from Down Under. Australian players would continue to dominate the sport for years to come, with legends like Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, and Margaret Court leaving their indelible mark on tennis history.

The impact of the 1951 US Open extends far beyond the prize money awarded to its champions. It set a precedent for other Grand Slam tournaments to follow suit and paved the way for the creation of professional tennis tours. Today, the US Open is one of the most prestigious and lucrative events in the sport, attracting the world's best players and offering millions of dollars in prize money.

As we look back on this historic day in sports history, we can appreciate the significance of the 1951 US Open and its role in shaping the modern game of tennis. The decision to award prize money not only validated the efforts and achievements of the players but also laid the foundation for the growth and popularity of the sport worldwide.