The 1938 U.S. National Championships showcased a remarkable display of talent from American tennis players, with Don Budge and Alice Marble leading the charge. Held on the outdoor grass courts of the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, New York, this 58th staging of the championships became a testament to the strength of American tennis during that era. Both Budge and Marble secured multiple titles, contributing significantly to a memorable tournament
that also faced unique challenges.
Don Budge's Unprecedented Sweep
Don Budge's performance at the 1938 U.S. National Championships was nothing short of historic. He not only won the men's singles title but also achieved the sport's first-ever Grand Slam, winning all four major tournaments in a single calendar year. This monumental achievement included victories at the Australian Championships, French Championships, Wimbledon Championships, and finally, the U.S. National Championships. His triumph in the men's singles final against fellow American Gene Mako, with a score of 6–3, 6–8, 6–2, 6–1, solidified his place in tennis history.
Beyond his singles success, Budge demonstrated his versatility by also winning the men's doubles title, partnering with Gene Mako. Furthermore, he teamed up with Alice Marble to claim the mixed doubles championship. This triple crown performance at the U.S. National Championships underscored his complete dominance of the sport in 1938, making him the undisputed star of the tournament and a symbol of American tennis excellence.
Alice Marble's Stellar Performance
Alice Marble, another prominent American player, also had an exceptional showing at the 1938 U.S. National Championships. She captured the women's singles title, defeating Australia's Nancye Wynne Bolton in a commanding final match with a score of 6–0, 6–3. Marble's victory highlighted her skill and competitive spirit, establishing her as a leading figure in women's tennis.
Marble's success extended beyond singles. She partnered with Sarah Palfrey Cooke to win the women's doubles title, showcasing her prowess in team play. Her collaboration with Don Budge in the mixed doubles event also resulted in a championship, completing a remarkable set of victories for her at the tournament. Her multiple titles, alongside Budge's, painted a picture of American supremacy across various categories at their home Grand Slam event.
Seeding and Competition
The tournament utilized a seeding system to organize the competition, with separate lists for U.S. players and foreign players in both the men's and women's singles events. In the men's singles, Don Budge was the top seed among U.S. players, a position he justified by becoming the champion. Other notable American seeds included Bobby Riggs, Joseph Hunt, and Sidney Wood, who reached the semifinals. The foreign seeds included players like Australia's John Bromwich, who also made it to the semifinals.
For the women's singles, Helen Jacobs was the top U.S. seed, while Alice Marble was seeded second among American players, ultimately emerging as the champion. Other strong American contenders included Dorothy Bundy and Sarah Fabyan, both reaching the semifinals. The international field featured players such as Poland's Jadwiga Jędrzejowska and France's Simonne Mathieu, both quarterfinalists, and Australia's Nancye Wynne, who was the finalist. The strong American presence in both the seeding and the final results underscored the nation's formidable standing in the world of tennis during this significant year.
