Stories of the Open Era: World Championship Tennis

Before the ATP World Tour and the WTA, there was the World Champion Tennis (WCT), which defined the Open Era in a major way. Formed in late 1967, the WTC featured eight male players, known as the “Handsome Eight.”

Following the success of its debut in 1968, the WTC launched a 20-tournament circuit in1971, offering $1 million in prize money, which was huge back then. With the help of its visionary leaders, led by Lamar Hunt and Mike Davies, WTC brought new shine to the sport of tennis.

For over a decade, the WCT played a huge part in shaping the Open Era, which contributed to the commercial development of tennis.

The 14th annual Desert Smash charity tennis event is Tuesday, March 6, and there are many reasons to mark your calendar. Here are just five of those reasons, including the event's host, Serena Williams.

Desert Smash is the kick off to Indian Wells, which will be broadcast on Tennis Channel over the next two weeks.

STREAM DESERT SMASH LIVE on TENNIS.com

WATCH LIVE on TENNIS CHANNEL

PURCHASE TICKETS AT* https://desertsmash.ticketleap.com/ *