MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – For the first time in nearly a decade, professional tennis is being played in Memphis.
With the brand-new Memphis Classic tournament beginning their qualifying rounds on Saturday at the Leftwich Tennis Center, Action News 5’s Garner Montgomery got to see all the tennis action.
Leftwich Tennis Center is one of the largest tennis centers in the southeast and Saturday was the day to prove that the facility and Memphis Tennis could host a professional tournament.
The qualifying rounds for WTA Memphis Classic may be just a taste for what’s to come in this week’s tournament.
This marks a milestone for Memphis tennis as the first professional matches played since the ATP Memphis Open moved cities in 2017.
“Memphis has one of the best tennis communities in the country, so this feels natural and it feels right to have professional tennis being played here in Memphis,” John Borden, Memphis Classic Tournament Chairman.
The newly built Leftwich Tennis Center was put to the test Saturday afternoon after rain suspended multiple matches, but the facility was well-equipped to handle the downpour with indoor courts for players to warm up so they can get back to the match as soon as the rain leaves.
“They can just go inside, hit, stay warm, and then you just come back on the court and resume doing what you’re doing,” Borden said. “This space is capable, to roll with the punches, and still give our fans, and give the players the opportunity to do something special.”
Tennis Memphis CEO John Borden says Leftwich’s construction was what brought women’s tennis to the Bluff City.
“The tournament host Top Notch Management, they were looking for a new facility. The tournament had been held in Cleveland,” Borden said. “It just so happened that when they started shopping, Leftwich was completed and available.”
This tournament gives Memphians a chance to see some of the best tennis players in the world compete in the Memphis hardcourts for the first time since 2017.
“You don’t realize just how good professional tennis players are until you are sitting right there, right next to the court, watching them play. I mean it’s truly fantastic,” Borden said.
The qualifying rounds continue Sunday before the real tournament begins Monday with the championship round on August 1.
Click here to sign up for our newsletter!
Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Please include the headline.
Copyright 2026 WMC. All rights reserved.