Tennis with stars: the history of the tournament named after Robert Kennedy (16 photos)

This tennis tournament of the 70s was one of the most secular and stylish sporting events in the USA. First, the event was charitable and held annually. Secondly, it took participation not only professional athletes, but also politicians and celebrities.





Unique charity and sports event



American politician and US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy (1925–1968), 1963

First tennis tournament in memory of Robert F. Kennedy took place at the Westside Tennis Club and then held annually at throughout the 70s. Along with professional tennis players, it hosted participation of many major Hollywood stars.





Arthur Ash, Dave DeBouchere, Ethel Kennedy, Dustin Hoffman and Tom Gorman at a promotional event for the RFK Pro-Celebrity tennis tournament Tennis Tournament, New York, 1974



Jackie Onassis, Ted Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy during tennis RFK Pro-Celebrity Tournament on August 23, 1975 at Forest Hills Stadium in New York, New York, USA.

The purpose of the tournament was to raise funds for charitable programs of the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation through admission fees. Pay was charged to both players and spectators: entrance for celebrities cost $2,500 (over $10,000 today) and entry for viewers - from 5 to 100 dollars (up to 480 dollars in today's standards).

Every year someone from the Kennedy family attended the tournament.



Ted Kennedy and Walter Mondale during the 6th Annual RFK Tennis Tournament in Forest Hills.



Maria Shriver with her mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver tennis tournament RFK Pro-Celebrity August 21, 1981 in the complex Kennedy in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

As expected, every year the tournament was visited by members of the Kennedy family. Brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces Roberta Kenned gathered in the stands or laced up their tennis shoes to participate in the event.



(left to right) Maria Shriver, Caroline Kennedy, Meg Azzoni and John F. Kennedy Jr. in the stands of the RFK tennis tournament, approx. 1977



Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Peter Hamill during the 6th Annual RFK Tennis Tournament at the Rainbow Room.

Among the famous members of the Kennedy clan who attended event were Ethel, Ted and Eunice Kennedy. While browsing tennis matches, one could often see John F. Kennedy, Jr., Caroline Kennedy, Maria Shriver and Jackie Kennedy.

Show business stars readily grabbed rackets



Singer Diana Ross at the Robert Kennedy Tennis Tournament



Actor Clint Eastwood and Ethel Kennedy at the Tennis Tournament Robert Kennedy among celebrities on August 27, 1977.

Given that this was a celebrity event, no wonder some of the biggest stars of the time performed at RFK tennis tournaments. Annually in the stands and on the courts viewers could see popular actors, singers, models and other representatives of show business. Here are just a few names: Chevy Chase, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dustin Hoffman, Valerie Perrin, Clint Eastwood, Cheryl Tiegs.



Chevy Chase during the 6th Annual RFK Tennis Tournament in Forest Hills.



Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 6th Annual Tennis Tournament named after Robert F. Kennedy among celebrities on August 27, 1977.

Communication on the sidelines



Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis greets world champion wrestleroksu in heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and his wife Veronica at a party in Rainbow Room dedicated to the opening of the Robert F. Kennedy. Proceeds from a 1977 charity event went to children from low-income families.



Chevy Chase and Lauren Bacall during the 6th Annual RFK Tennis Tournament at the Rainbow Room.

Gather a group of celebrities in one room and they definitely get in touch. Singers shook hands with politicians, and athletes joked with the actors. It was a unique experience, thanks to which many the most famous names of America came into contact with each other, that made it possible to take some wonderful photographs.



Muhammad Ali, his wife Veronica and Michael Jackson pose during the annual RFK tennis tournament in 1977.



Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rosie Grier at the 6th Annual Tennis Robert F. Kennedy Celebrity Tournament August 27, 1977 of the year.

And although today the Robert F. Kennedy tennis tournament is already not carried out, it was a glorious page in history. A host of celebrities, professional athletes and politicians made the tournament popular and memorable event. And we can look at surviving pictures and imagine how it was.