Friends of Reading Tennis |
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The Friends of Reading Tennis, founded by Lorraine Salter and Kate Kaminer in 1991, launched the Reading Tennis Open (RTO), out of pure passion for the sport. In its 35+ years of operation, the tournament has become the largest and oldest recreational tennis tournament in Massachusetts. On an annual basis, the tournament offers both Singles and Doubles draws, played on two consecutive weekends. In aggregate, the tournament hosts approximately 250 participants annually. Historically, all levels of play are welcomed to the RTO. Draws include Elite Level, A Level, B Level, and Junior Level for Men and Women. This model has been adopted by other communities who host community tennis tournaments. These towns include Burlington, Melrose, North Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Wilmington. The inception of The Friends of Reading Tennis (FRT) was spurred on to raise funds for the construction of a new 6-court tennis facility in Reading. The previous courts were dilapidated due to years of maintenance neglect. FRT partnered with private companies, citizens, tennis enthusiasts, and local and state authorities to raise the funds needed for the project. The FRT donation alone was $140,000; a $50,000 state grant and $90,000 from individual and corporate donors. New courts were built and opened in 2008 and in 2025 the courts received a crack seal and paint renovation. In addition to supporting the physical tennis facility, The Friends of Reading Tennis supports the Reading high school boys and girls tennis teams as well as the Reading Recreation summer tennis programs offered to youth in the town. The mission of the Friends of Reading Tennis has always been to support and celebrate the great game of tennis. We believe that the game promotes health, wellness, and community amongst its participants. Tennis is now known as The World’s Healthiest Sport! The Friends of Reading Tennis have known this for a long time.
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