PAUL SULLIVAN WINS 2026 GARDNER WARD CHASE MEMORIAL AWARD

PAUL SULLIVAN TO BE HONORED POSTHUMOUSLY AS 2026 GARDNER WARD CHASE MEMORIAL AWARD WINNER

WESTON, MA - Paul Sullivan, a distinguished player, coach, innovator and lifelong ambassador for the game, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Gardner Ward Chase Memorial Award for lifetime achievement. Sullivan, of Weston, MA, will be honored posthumously at the New England Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on June 14 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI.

A true pillar of New England tennis, Sullivan’s impact stretched far beyond his results on court. He was known for his passion for the game, his generosity as a coach, and his ability to make everyone, regardless of level, feel welcome on the court.

Sullivan is survived by his five children—Todd Sullivan, Sean Sullivan, Courtney Homer, Alina Sullivan Murray and Ricardo Sullivan.

“Tennis meant so much to our Dad. It was truly a cornerstone of his life. Tennis was one of the defining parts of who he was, third to God and family,” said Sullivan’s children in a joint statement.

Sullivan’s tennis journey began under the guidance of Hazel Wightman, and he quickly became one of the region’s top junior players, earning No. 1 rankings in New England and national recognition. He went on to play collegiately at Harvard University, where he served as a two-year captain, before later achieving success in the Men’s Open division, ranking No. 1 in New England and among the top players in the country.

Following his collegiate career, Sullivan competed professionally, playing in the US Open 10 times and winning five national titles in mixed doubles, including championships alongside Billie Jean King. Throughout his career, he shared the court with legends such as Arthur Ashe, Björn Borg and Rod Laver.

Off the court, Sullivan was an innovator and entrepreneur, helping develop one of the first aluminum tennis racquets in 1968 and later contributing to racquet designs used by top professionals. He also dedicated decades to coaching, mentoring players of all ages and abilities with patience, insight and enthusiasm.

His love for tennis was matched by his love for community. Sullivan volunteered his time teaching children, organized inclusive events at Longwood Cricket Club, and created opportunities for players to connect across generations. In 1965, his family was recognized as USTA’s first National Family of the Year, a reflection of the deep role tennis played in his life.

“For our Dad, tennis was never just a sport, it was a way to bring his family together and stay connected. That connection, and the values that came with it, continue to shape our family to this day,” his children said.

Sullivan was inducted into the New England Tennis Hall of Fame in 1994 alongside his sisters, Edythe Sullivan McGoldrick and Patricia Sullivan Thompson. His sister Edythe also received the Gardner Ward Chase Memorial Award in 1971. Sullivan passed away on December 7, 2024, at the age of 83, leaving behind a lasting legacy defined not only by his accomplishments, but by the countless lives he touched.

In his honor, the Paul Sullivan Scholarship was established to support New England tennis players who demonstrate integrity, resilience and a genuine love for the game. The annual $2,000 scholarship is awarded to a junior player from the New England tennis community to help support the cost of higher education. The scholarship reflects Sullivan’s lifelong commitment to mentoring young players and giving back to the sport that shaped his life.

“The scholarship is one of the most meaningful ways we can continue his legacy. He always found joy in helping young players grow, not just as athletes, but as people,” his children said.

They added, “He truly believed in the power of the sport to connect people and inspire others, and that is something he carried with him throughout his entire life. The relationships he built, the sense of community he fostered, and the values he passed on are a lasting part of his legacy.”

The Gardner Ward Chase Memorial Award is one of the highest honors awarded by USTA New England, recognizing individuals whose lifetime contributions have made a lasting impact on the game in the region.

About USTA New England

USTA New England, one of 17 regional sections across the country that comprise the United States Tennis Association (USTA), is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and developing the growth of tennis and increasing participation in the sport in New England by offering quality recreational and competitive programs for people of all ages and abilities. For more information, visit usta.com/newengland.