![]() Lottie Dod becomes the second woman to win the Irish, Northern and Wimbledon Championships in the same year, and is joint title leader. | |
Details | |
---|---|
Duration | 2 January – 24 December |
Edition | 12th |
Tournaments | 69 (singles) 100 (Inc doubles & mixed doubles) |
Categories | Major (4) National (3) Provincial/Regional/State (13) County (10) Regular (49) |
Achievements (singles) | |
Most titles | ![]() ![]() |
Most finals | ![]() |
← 1886 1888 → |
The 1887 Women's tennis season was a tennis circuit composed of 69 (singles) and 100 (Inc doubles and mixed doubles) national, regional, county, and regular tournaments. The season began in February in Auckland, New Zealand, and ended in December in Christchurch, New Zealand. [1]
From 1888 until 1912 Britain's Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), grew in status and influence to become the de facto international tennis governing body before the proper International Lawn Tennis Federation commenced operations. [2] Despite the United States National Lawn Tennis Association (USNLTA) forming in 1881 a good seven years before the LTA, it was the British body that set laws, settled disputes and organized the increasingly complicated tournament calendar before the International Lawn Tennis Federation (ILTF) formed in March, 1913. [3]
After the formation of the ILTF the world tennis circuit going forward was a highly organised and structured network of national and international tournaments. [4] Most tennis tournaments were usually mixed events for men and women, and the women's international tennis circuit certainly up to 1923 was composed mainly of tournaments on the British and European Circuits. [5] After the USNLTA joined the ILTF this would later change with more and more tournaments being staged globally. Women tennis players on the world circuit up to the open era were funded by their national associations enabling them to travel and take part in international tournaments. [6]
1887 sees an increase in the number women's singles events being held as the tennis circuit continues to form. [7] The 1887 women's tennis season began on 2 January with the Farndon Park Open, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. [1] In May 1887 at the first major event of the year the Irish Championships [8] played at the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club in Dublin, Ireland. England's Lottie Dod wins the singles title defeating Maud Watson, she also picks up the mixed doubles title with Ernest Renshaw. [1] The ladies doubles event is won by Louisa Martin and Florence Stanuell. In terms of draw size the West of England Championships was the largest tournament of the year with a draw of 56 across three events.
In June 1887 at the second major tournament of the year the Northern Championships played at the Northern Lawn Tennis Club in Manchester Lottie Dod collects her second major title beating Maud Watson in straights sets, the women's doubles event is won by the sister's Ann Dod and Lottie Dod who defeat a Louisa Martin and Florence Stanuell in the final in three sets, the mixed doubles event is won by Irish pair Louisa Martin and Tom Campion who defeat Lottie Dod and Harry Grove in the final. [1]
In July at the 1887 Wimbledon Championships the world's first major tennis tournament, Lottie Dod completes a clean sweep all the British and Irish major tournaments, when she defeats defending champion Blanche Bingley in straight sets to claim her third major title. [9] [10]
In September at the U.S. National Championships a women's event is staged for the first time at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, PA and was played after the men's tournament had ended. 17-year-old Philadelphian Ellen Hansell became the first women's champion, defeating Laura Knight in straight sets. [11] The season ended on 24 December 1887 at the New Zealand Championships, held in Christchurch, New Zealand played on grass. [1]
Prior to the creation of the International Lawn Tennis Federation and the establishment of its world championship events in 1913 the Wimbledon Championships, the U.S. National Championships, the Irish Lawn Tennis Championships and the Northern Championships were considered by players and historians as the four most important tennis tournaments to win. [12] [13] [14]
This is a calendar of all known official events that were administered by national, regional, provincial, state, and county lawn tennis associations in the year 1887, with player progression documented from the quarterfinals stage where historical sources have permitted.
Key
Important. [15] [16] [17] [18] |
National |
Provincial/State/Regional |
County |
Regular |
* (denotes doubles) ** (denotes mix doubles)
Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 Jan. [1] | Farndon Park Open Farndon Park Napier, New Zealand Grass Singles - Doubles | No Ladies Singles | No Ladies Doubles | ||
![]() ![]() 6–4, 6–0 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
21 Feb. | Auckland Association Championships Farndon Park Auckland, New Zealand Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 2–6, 6–2, 6–4 | ![]() | ||
Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semi finalist | Quarter finalist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 Mar. [1] | Cannes Beau Site Hotel Tournament Beau Site Hotel Cannes, France Clay Singles - Doubles | No Ladies Singles | No Ladies Doubles | ||
![]() ![]() 6–4, 13–11 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
19 March. | Southern California Championships [19] (Spring Edition) Casa Blanca Club Riverside, United States Asphalt Singles - Doubles | ![]() Won | ![]() | ||
No events
Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semi finalist | Quarter finalist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 May. | Ceylon Championships The Hill Club Nuwara Eliya, Ceylon Clay Singles - Doubles | ![]() 4–6, 6–1, 6–2 | ![]() | ||
9 May. [1] | Inter-Colonial Lawn Tennis Tournament (Championship of New South Wales) Sydney, Australia Asphalt Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–4, 6–4 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() 3–6, 6–4, 6–3 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6–4, 6–2 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
21 May. [1] | West of Scotland Championships [20] Pollockshields Athletic Club Pollokshields, Scotland Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6-0 10-8 | ![]() | ||
![]() ![]() 6–2, 6–3 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
28 May. [1] | Irish Championships [21] Fitzwilliam LTC Dublin, Ireland Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6-4, 6-3 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() 4–6, 6–4, 6–4 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 8–6, 5–7, 6–1, 6–3 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
30 May. [1] | Berrylands Club Tournament Berrylands LTC Surbiton, England Singles - Doubles | No Ladies Singles | No Ladies Doubles | ||
![]() ![]() 1–6, 6–5, 10–8 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
31 May. [1] | Rotherby Invitation Rotherby Hall Estate Rotherby, England Singles - Doubles | ||||
![]() ![]() 1–6, 6–3, 6–3 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6–2, 5–7, 8–6 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semi finalist | Quarter finalist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Jul | Natal Championships Pietermaritzburg, Colony of Natal Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–4, 6–3 | ![]() | ||
2 Jul. [1] | Midland Counties Championships Edgbaston CLTC Edgbaston, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6-0 4-6 7-5 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | |
![]() ![]() 6-4 7-5 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6-4 11-9 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
7 Jul. | Wimbledon Championships [29] AELTC London, England Outdoor Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–2, 6–0 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Challenger![]() | |||||
9 Jul. [1] | Chapel Allerton LTC Tournament Chapel Allerton LTC Chapel Allerton, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–3, 5–6, 6–5 | ![]() | ||
![]() ![]() 4–6, 5–7, 6–4, 6–4, 7–5 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
14 Jul. [1] | Leamington Open Tournament Leamington Spa, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–1, 6–1 | ![]() | ||
![]() ![]() 6-4 4-6 6-0 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
16 Jul. [1] | Leicester Open Lawn Tennis Tournament Leicester, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–4, 6–2 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() 6–5, 6–5 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6–1, 6–1 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Armagh Lawn Tennis Tournament [30] Archery LTC Armagh, Ireland Asphalt Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–3, 6–2 | ![]() | |||
![]() ![]() 2–0 sets | ![]() ![]() | ||||
21 Jul | Taunton and West Somerset Lawn Tennis Tournament Taunton, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–1, 6–1 | ![]() | ||
![]() ![]() 6–4, 6–1 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Norton Lawn Tennis Open Tournament Norton Cricket Club Grounds Norton, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–5, 6–1 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | |
23 Jul. [1] | Middlesex Championships Chiswick, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–0, 4–6, 7–5 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() 6–4, 6–1 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6–1, 6–0 | ![]() | ||||
Ealing LTC Championship Ealing LTC Ealing, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–4, 5–7, 6–4 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ||
Staffordshire Lawn Tennis Tournament [1] Stafford Institute LTC Stafford, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 2–6, 6–2, 8–6 | ![]() | |||
![]() ![]() 6–3, 1–6, 6–3 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
30 Jul | Northumberland County Association Tournament. [1] Newcastle, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 4–6, 6–2, 8–6 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Portishead Open Lawn Tennis Tournament [1] Portishead, England Grass Singles - Doubles | No Ladies Singles | ||||
![]() ![]() 6–0, 6–3 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
> ![]() ![]() walkover | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Derbyshire Championships [1] Buxton, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–3, 6–4 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | |
![]() ![]() 6–1, 6–2 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6–4, 4–6, 6–2 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Essex County Cricket Club Tournament [31] Essex CCC Leyton, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–8, 6–0, 6–3 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ||
Essex Championships [32] Essex CCC Leyton, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–8, 6–2, 6–4 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ||
Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semi finalist | Quarter finalist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 August | White Sulphur Springs Tournament White Sulphur Springs, United States Singles - Doubles | ![]() Won | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | |
2 Aug | East of Ireland Championships [33] Howth LTC Howth, Ireland Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–2, 6–4 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() 7–5, 6–4 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
5 Aug | Darlington Association Tournament [34] Darlington, England Singles - Doubles | ![]() walkover | ![]() | ||
![]() ![]() 6–1, 6–3 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6–4, 6–4 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
6 Aug | Exmouth Lawn Tennis Club Tournament [35] Exmouth LTC Exmouth, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–4, 6–4 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() 6–4, 2–6, 6–4 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
East Grinstead Lawn Tennis Tournament [36] East Grinstead, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–3, 6–3 | ![]() | |||
![]() ![]() 6–1, 4–6, 6–4 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Nottinghamshire LTA Tournament [37] Trent Bridge Ground Nottingham, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–3, 6–1 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() | |
![]() ![]() 4–6, 6–2 retd. | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Waterford Open Tournament [38] Rocklands Cricket Club Waterford, Ireland Grass Singles | ![]() 4–6, 6–4, 6–2 | ![]() | |||
8 Aug | Ilkley Open Tournament [39] Ilkley LTC Ilkley, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 3–6, 7–5, 6–1 | ![]() | ||
12 Aug. | Kilkenny County and City Tournament [40] Kilkenny, Ireland Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–8, 6–4, 4–6, 6–2, 7–5 | ![]() | ||
![]() ![]() 6–4, 3–6, 6–2 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
13 Aug | Teignmouth and Shaldon Open [41] East Devon & Teignmouth LTC Teignmouth, England Grass Singles - Doubles | No Ladies Singles | No Ladies Double | ||
![]() ![]() 6–2, 6–0 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Hull Westbourne Avenue Open Tournament [42] Hull, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 3–6, 6–4, 6–3 | ![]() | |||
20 Aug | Yorkshire Association and County Open Tournament [43] West Cliff LTC Whitby, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 4–6, 6–2, 6–0 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Challenger![]() | |||||
![]() ![]() 6–2, 6–4 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 8–6, 6–3 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Yorkshire Association County Closed TournamentYorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer (22 August 1887) West Cliff LTC Whitby, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 7–5, 5–7, 6–0 | ![]() | |||
Torquay Lawn Tennis Tournament [44] Torquay LTC Torquay, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 4–6, 6–2, 6–3 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() | |
![]() ![]() 6–0, 6–2 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
South Saxons Open Tournament [45] Glynde Park Grass St Leonards-on-Sea, England Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–5, 6–2 | ![]() | |||
24 Aug | South of Scotland Championships [46] Beechgrove LTC Moffat, Scotland Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–2, 6–4 | ![]() | ||
![]() ![]() 6–3, 6–2 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6-2, 6–1 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
25 Aug | Saxmundham LTC Tournament [47] Hurts Hall Park Saxmundham, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–2, 6–4 | ![]() | ||
![]() ![]() 3–6, 6–2, 6–3 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6–5, 6–2 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
27 Aug | North of England Championships [48] South Cliff LTC Scarborough, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–0, 6–1 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Challenger![]() | |||||
![]() ![]() 5–7, 6–1, 6–2 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6–2, 4–6, 6–2 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
30 Aug | Bournemouth Lawn Tennis Club Tournament [49] Dean Park Bournemouth, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–1, 6–3 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() 6–1, 6–3 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6–3, 6–3, 6–4 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semi finalist | Quarter finalist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 Sep. | Southern California Championships [19] (Fall Edition) Santa Monica Casino Courts Santa Monica, United States Asphalt Singles - Doubles | ![]() Won | ![]() | ||
5 Sep | Singapore LTC Ladies Championship Singapore LTC Singapore, Straits Settlements Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–1, 6–2 | ![]() | ![]() | |
6 Sep [1] | South of England Championships Devonshire Park LTC Eastbourne, England Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–1, 6–3 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() 6–4, 6–3 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6–4, 8–6 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
20 Sep | New Hamburg Invitation [50] New Hamburg LTC New Hamburg, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() Won | ![]() | ![]() | |
24 Sep | New York Tennis Club Open [50] New York TC New York City, United States Clay Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–4, 1–6, 6–2 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | |
27 Sep | Wissahickon Open Philadelphia Cricket Club [50] Wissahickon, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() Won | ![]() | ||
30 Sep. [11] | U.S. National Championships Philadelphia Country Club Philadelphia, United States Grass Singles | ![]() 6-1, 6-0 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semi finalist | Quarter finalist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 Oct | Ladies Club for Outdoor Sports Open [51] Livingston, United States Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–0, 6–1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() 6–2, 6–2 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
15 Oct | Fall Open Far and Near [52] Far and Near LTC Hastings-on-Hudson, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–0, 6–4 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
17 Oct | Delaware Field Club Open [53] Delaware Field Club Wilmington, United States Clay Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–4, 6–4 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() |
26 Oct [1] | Victorian Championships Melbourne Cricket Club Melbourne, Australia Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–2, 6–3 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | |
![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ||||
Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semi finalist | Quarter finalist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
30 Nov | Otago LTA Tournament [54] Carisbrook Club Ground Dunedin, New Zealand Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 8–6 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() |
Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semi finalist | Quarter finalist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
24 Dec | New Zealand Championships [55] Christchurch, New Zealand Grass Singles - Doubles | ![]() 6–4, 7–9, 6–1 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() 6–3, 6–1 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
![]() ![]() 6–3, 6–1 | ![]() ![]() | ||||
This is a list of winners by the total number of singles titles won for 1887 major titles in bold: