What Is 2019 Hall of Fame Open – Doubles

Overview

The 2019 Hall of Fame Open – Doubles was a men's professional tennis tournament held as part of the ATP Tour 250 series. It took place at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, from July 14 to July 21, 2019, on outdoor grass courts.

This event marked one of the few ATP-level tournaments played on grass in the United States, serving as a post-Wimbledon warm-up for players. The doubles competition featured a 16-team draw with both seeded and unseeded pairs competing for ranking points and prize money.

• Winners: Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury clinched the title by defeating Steve Johnson and Jordan Kerr in the final with a score of 7–6(7–4), 6–3.
• Final Date: The championship match concluded on July 21, 2019, marking the end of the week-long tournament.
• Surface: The event was played on traditional outdoor grass courts, a rare surface for American tournaments.
• Location: Held at the historic International Tennis Hall of Fame, which is also the site of the Tennis Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
• ATP Points: The champions earned 250 ranking points, consistent with the ATP 250 tournament designation.

How It Works

The doubles format at the Hall of Fame Open follows standard ATP doubles rules with some event-specific nuances, including tiebreaks and seeding procedures. Matches are best-of-three sets with a match tiebreak in place of a third set in some rounds.

• Format:All matches were best-of-three sets, with a 10-point match tiebreak used if the match reached one set all.
• Seeding:The top four pairs were seeded based on ATP rankings to prevent early matchups between top teams.
• Draw Size:A 16-team bracket ensured four rounds: quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, preceded by first-round matches.
• Grass Court Play:The surface favored aggressive net play and strong serves, influencing team strategy and shot selection.
• Entry List:Eight pairs were direct acceptances based on rankings, while others received wild cards or qualified through preliminary rounds.
• Prize Money:The doubles champions shared $43,000 from a total purse of $645,700, reflecting ATP 250 standards.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2019 Hall of Fame Open doubles event with other ATP 250 tournaments highlights its unique grass-court status and historical significance.

While most ATP 250 events occur on hard or clay courts, the Hall of Fame Open stands out due to its grass surface and historical venue. Its timing immediately after Wimbledon allows players to extend their grass-court season in North America, a rare opportunity. The 2019 edition continued this tradition with a competitive doubles draw and strong international participation.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Hall of Fame Open – Doubles holds significance for players, fans, and the sport’s historical continuity in the United States. As one of the few grass-court events outside Europe, it offers valuable experience and ranking points.

• Historical Venue:The International Tennis Hall of Fame adds prestige, linking current players to tennis legends.
• Grass-Court Rarity:Only ATP event on grass in the U.S., making it a unique training and competition opportunity.
• Player Development:Joe Salisbury used this win as a springboard to a top-10 doubles ranking within two years.
• U.S. Tennis Presence:Helps sustain interest in American tennis during the summer hard-court transition.
• Wild Card Access:American teams often receive wild cards, supporting domestic player growth.
• ATP Calendar Role:Serves as a bridge between Wimbledon and the North American hard-court season.

The 2019 doubles title victory by Ram and Salisbury exemplified teamwork and adaptability on grass, reinforcing the tournament’s role in the ATP calendar. With its unique blend of history, surface, and timing, the Hall of Fame Open remains a distinctive event in professional tennis.