he 2020 Gasparilla Island Tennis Classic took place this year from January 25 through February 8,
and was well attended by island tennis players and spectator crowds alike. The joining of players
from all three island tennis clubs – The Gasparilla Inn & Club, Boca Bay Pass Club and the Boca
Grande Club – was unprecedented prior to this tournament.
Started in 2009 by Boca Beacon/Gasparilla Island Magazine Publisher Dusty Hopkins, the tournament
was a continuation of an event The Gasparilla Inn & Club started in 1997 called “The Gasparilla Inn
Tennis Chapter Series,” which was held until 2007. The Boca Beacon sponsored it in 2009 reviving the
life of the tournament. The tournament connected island wide tennis players who might otherwise not
have a chance to play each other.
Hopkins said one of the most memorable examples of that premise from this tournament was two
competing fathers from different clubs. Their match was so enjoyable, the next day the sons teamed up
to play the fathers.
“This has been a very successful way to bring players together,” Hopkins said. “With all three tennis
clubs, pros and staff working together, island players have made some very positive connections.
Everyone’s game is strengthened, and new friendships are forged.”
If you’re an area tennis player who hasn’t yet participated in this tournament and wish to do so, please
be on the lookout for information in early January 2021.
Lenore Lobel Clay & Nicole Wigelsworth
2 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE March/April 2020
Photos by Dusty Hopkins