Born:

December 19, 1859

Died:

October 17, 1946

Place of Birth:

Beckenham, England

Citizenship:

England

Induction Category:

Court Tennis Player

Year of Induction:

1982

An unconventional yet irresistibly effective court tennis player, Englishman Tom Pettitt, who immigrated to Boston at 17, won the World Championship at Hampton Court Palace over George Lambert in 1885.  He waged a triumphant defense of that title in 1890 and was unbeaten in that event.  Settling in New England at the Newport Casino, he taught both tennis and court tennis and played both games at a lofty level.  Pettitt’s exploits in court tennis and championship-caliber play in that sport gave him considerable stature.

Career Achievements

• World Court Tennis Singles Champion 1885
• Boston’s Tennis & Racquet Club Teaching Professional