This year, the US Open Court of Champions—which celebrates the lasting legacy of the greatest singles titlists in the history of the tournament—welcomes Pauline Betz Addie to its prestigious fraternity.
Betz Addie, one of the best and most accomplished women players of the 1940s, reached a remarkable six consecutive U.S. Championships finals at Forest Hills from 1941-1946—a mark matched only on the women’s side by Chris Evert’s six consecutive finals showings from 1975-1980. Winning the title four times, including a thrilling three-peat from 1942-1944, she added a fourth crown in 1946. What’s more, Betz Addie reached five consecutive women’s doubles finals at Forest Hills from 1941-1945, and was twice a U.S. Championships mixed doubles finalist.
Boasting remarkable speed and a blistering backhand, Betz Addie was a dominant force on-court, a fierce competitor who never gave less than her all between the lines. But with that, she also was one of the most gracious and grand champions this sport has ever known—the epitome of character and class.
A pioneer of the women’s professional game, Betz Addie was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1965, and will now forever have a place alongside those great champions whose strokes have helped to create the brilliant canvas that is the US Open.
The family of Betz Addie was on hand at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Day 2 of the 2024 US Open to celebrate her official enshrinement, which was also honored with an on-court ceremony in between matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
USTA President and Chairman Dr. Brian Hainline was joined by members of Betz Addie's family on Tuesday to unveil a replica of the plaque that will be forever enshrined on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Representing the Betz Addie family was her daughter, Kim Addonizio; son, Gary Addie; and granddaughter, Aya Cash.
