History of the Houston Tennis Classic

Provost rebranded and launched the "Bayou Bend Tennis Classic," hosted on his single tennis court adjacent to his home, converting a back room into a "pro shop and bar." This spot became the epicenter of Black excellence in business, politics, and entertainment in the USA, hosting numerous dignitaries including Arthur Ashe, who conducted tennis camps for anyone interested in learning the sport, along with figures like Don King, Andrew Young, Dick Gregory, Bill Cosby, and Jane Kennedy.

During this era, Texas tennis legend and TSU champion John Wilkerson was recruited as the head pro at MacGregor Park. Wilkerson initiated youth tennis programs, making instruction accessible to all children regardless of their ability to pay. It was here that he invited two little girls, Zina Garrison and Lori McNeill, to try their hand at tennis. Zina, inspired by watching Wilkerson play tennis during TSU baseball games at MacGregor Park, quickly displayed natural talent and athleticism. Under Wilkerson’s guidance, she reached a career high ranking of #4, won 14 singles titles, 20 doubles titles, 3 Grand Slam mixed titles, and Olympic gold and bronze medals. She also captained Fed Cup and Olympic tennis teams.

Lori McNeill also honed her tennis skills at MacGregor Park, where her mother and neighbors played. She went on to compete at Oklahoma State University, earning All-American status, and achieved a top 10 WTA singles ranking, winning 32 doubles titles and reaching World No. 9. She represented the USA in the Fed Cup and won the French Open Mixed Championship. Lori's classic serve-and-volley style earned victories over legends like Chris Evert and Steffi Graf, and she partnered with Martina Navratilova to win the Birmingham doubles title.

Both Zina and Lori credit their success to the support and legacy of "Houston Black tennis," which nurtured their careers through fundraisers hosting pro-amateur tournaments, fish fries, and BBQs. Both women remain active in the public park where they trained, with Zina Garrison leading tennis programming for the City of Houston.

Houston Black tennis has always been more than developing professional players; it embodies family and lifetime recreational play.

In the early 1990s, visionary George Thomas, General Manager of KTSU radio station, revived Black tennis by hosting the KTSU Tennis Classic for many years. The event featured live on-air interviews and offered valuable top prizes for winners, emphasizing the love of the game and fellowship.

Black Tennis is a Family Affair

Throughout this 50-year history, one group has endured—the "Lovely Ladies." Formed in the 1970s, this group of some 60 Black women gathered for fun tennis, mutual support, and mentorship for "MacGregor Tennis Youth." These tennis sisters meet weekly for "Friday Tailgating," playing round-robin matches and enjoying snacks afterward. They celebrate each other in times of joy, happiness, adversity, and sorrow. They volunteer at the US Clay Court Championships at the River Oaks Country Club and often attend Grand Slams worldwide, sometimes appearing on the Tennis Channel.

2024 Houston Tennis Classic

After 19 years and declining health, the baton was passed to current Houston Tennis Director Sharon Evans-Brooks, who has elevated the tournament to new heights. It now hosts 407 adult players from nearly half the country, representing 23 states. This unique "Black Tennis Festival" welcomes players of all ethnicities and cultures with competitive play, vendors, music, parties, and more. The tournament’s continuing commitment aims to inspire future generations to greater heights. In 2024, the event launched its inaugural Houston Tennis Classic Scholarship, offering $5,000 to deserving graduating seniors planning to play college tennis.

In summary, the roots of Black tennis in Houston run deep. While its history began in segregation, the love of the game fostered a culture of unparalleled unity within a tennis family. This spirit is what the Houston Tennis Classic shares with all its players each Memorial Day weekend.