REED PARK —City officials will pay tribute to world-famous tennis pioneer Gertrude "Gussy" Moran this Sunday by naming the Stadium Court at Reed Park the Gussy Moran Stadium Court.
In addition to adding the court signage, a permanent didactic sign with biographical information about Moran wil be installed.
Daily Press columnist Jack Neworth led the charge to have the court named after Moran, who learned to play tennis at the age of 11 and played at Santa Monica High School. Moran was born in Santa Monica in 1923 in a Victorian house on Ocean Avenue.
She joined the amateur tennis circuit in 1947 and in her 20s was ranked as high as No. 4 in the world. In 1949, Moran played in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon and made a fashion splash by wearing a short skirt that revealed lace panties for which she was remembered throughout her life and led to her nickname "Gorgeous Gussy."
In 1950 she retired from amateur tennis and signed a one-year contract to play on a professional tour managed by Bobby Riggs. She went on to work as a sports director in radio and television as well as continued to compete in tournaments into her early 40s.
Moran passed away in January.
The court dedication will take place on Nov. 3 at Reed Park, 1133 Seventh St. The festivities start at 11 a.m.
The event is organized by the city of Santa Monica Community Recreation Division.
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