The International Tennis Club of Washington plays real tennis on Prince's Court at the Regency Sport and Health Club in McLean, Virginia, 6 miles (10 km) from Washington, D.C. Dedicated on October 11, 1997, Prince's is the only new real tennis venue to be constructed in the United States since the Racquet Club of Chicago was built in 1923. (The Chicago court has since been converted.) The court, named after financial supporter and club co-founder Frederick H. Prince, features an 18 foot (5.5 m) high main wall made of plate glass giving spectators an unrivalled view of play.
Unusual features of the court include a large gong hung in the last gallery.
The head professional at Prince's Court is Ivan Ronaldson, whose father was formerly head professional at Hampton Court Palace. The assistant professional is Phil Shannon.
Famous quotes containing the words tennis, club and/or washington:
“Like Olympic medals and tennis trophies, all they signified was that the owner had done something of no benefit to anyone more capably than everyone else.”
—Joseph Heller (b. 1923)
“The creation of “strong-minded” women, so-called, is due to the individualism of men, to the modern selfish and speculative spirit which absorbs everything within itself and leaves women nothing but self-assertion for their protection and support.”
—“Jennie June” Croly 1829–1901, U.S. founder of the woman’s club movement, journalist, author, editor. Demorest’s Illustrated Monthly and Mirror of Fashions, p. 44 (February 1870)
“While I do not think it was so intended I have always been of the opinion that this turned out to be much the best for me. I had no national experience. What I have ever been able to do has been the result of first learning how to do it. I am not gifted with intuition. I need not only hard work but experience to be ready to solve problems. The Presidents who have gone to Washington without first having held some national office have been at great disadvantage.”
—Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933)