Obituary: Alan G. Schwartz

The ITF was saddened to learn of the passing of former ITF Vice President, USTA President and Media Commission Chair Alan G. Schwartz at the age of 91.

Born in New York City in November 1931, Alan’s educational trajectory began at PS 6 followed by Phillips Academy (Andover) '48, Yale University '52 and Harvard Business School '54.

From a young age, sports, in particular tennis and swimming, figured prominently in his life and Alan went on to win eight National Championships and seven Illinois State Championships after college. 

Indeed, he has been inducted into ten halls of fame, including the Intercollegiate Tennis Hall, Chicago Tennis Hall of Fame, and the Midwest Tennis Hall of Fame.

Furthermore, Alan introduced the now ubiquitous 4" baseline, as well as being a co-creator of the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP). He was also instrumental in creating the US Open Series.

Playing tennis in Chicago, he grew frustrated at there being no suitable place to play tennis indoors throughout the winter. To solve the problem, Alan and his father, Kevie, built Midtown Tennis Club, then the world's largest.

Alan began his involvement with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) by hosting the Boys 14 National Indoor Championship at Midtown beginning in 1972. In 1995, he was elected to the USTA board, and later served as President. Additionally, he served as Vice President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

The thoughts of everyone at the ITF are with Alan’s family and friends at this sad time.