DePaul University Athletics
Team Photo, 1969. From left: Coach George Lott, Nate King, Ray Bachmann, Mel Searles, George Hahn
The Legacy of DePaul Great, George Lott
2/23/2024 9:00:00 AM | MEN'S TENNIS
The site at 2323 N. Sheffield Ave on the campus of DePaul University sits atop a somewhat forgotten sanctuary of athletics history. Anchoring this half-block plot is the Sullivan Athletic Center, a beacon of DePaul Athletics since its inception in 2000. The hallowed ground sandwiched between W. Fullerton Ave. and W. Belden Ave. previously served as the symbol of DePaul tennis for most of the 20th century. Once known as the George M. Lott Tennis Center and Courts, this complex paid homage to one of the tennis greats. Now, as his name graces a new facility at XS Tennis, George Lott's lasting legacy is forever etched into the history of DePaul tennis.
Tennis icon George Martin Lott Jr. was born on October 16, 1906, in Springfield, Illinois. Early on, Lott exhibited an unparalleled passion for the sport and emerged as a towering figure in the world of tennis. His remarkable journey began with a string of victories, clinching the Illinois State Championship (IHSA) title an impressive four times between 1922-1924 as a member of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools interscholastic team. Among his accolades, Lott secured three singles titles and one doubles championship, setting the stage for his Hall of Fame career. During his time at the University of Chicago, Lott excelled in tennis, securing both the Big Ten singles and doubles championships in 1929. Concurrently, he pursued his academic studies, graduating from the University in 1930.
Throughout his career, Lott claimed three Wimbledon titles, five U.S. Open titles, and one French Open title. Additionally, he made history as the first Western player to clinch the National Doubles title in 1928, solidifying his place among the sport's elite. By 1931, Lott soared to the pinnacle of the tennis rankings, reaching No. 2 in the world. Throughout his illustrious professional career, he garnered eight top-ten nominations, showcasing his consistent excellence on the court. Lott amassed over forty national and international tennis titles, which included a total of twelve major championship victories. Remarkably, his eight U.S. National titles are tied for third-best in the history of the sport. Moreover, Lott maintained an undefeated 11-0 record in doubles from 1928-1934 as a member of the Davis Cup team, as well as holding an overall record of 18-4, further solidifying his reputation in the international tennis scene.
Remarkably, Lott clinched five U.S. Open doubles titles with three different partners, an enduring testament to Lott's dominance and precision in doubles play. His 1928 victory alongside John Hennessey stands out as the pair took down Gerald Patterson and John Hawkes with an astonishing 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 victory, marking the fewest games played in a men's doubles final. Lott carved his name into the record books yet again as the first player – and one of only four in history – to claim victory at the Cincinnati Open on four distinct occasions. The only others to attain this feat include Bobby Riggs, Mats Wilander, and Roger Federer. During his career, Lott also took home four Canadian Covered Court Championships and one Pinehurst Resort title. Upon retiring from the sport, Lott stood acclaimed as one of the most distinguished doubles players in tennis history, excelling in both men's and mixed doubles teams.
In 1964, Lott was honored with an induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. His outstanding career also earned him six additional Hall of Fame nods, including recognition in the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame, DePaul University Athletics Hall of Fame, and the University of Chicago Athletics Hall of Fame. Following his playing career, Lott found joy in imparting his knowledge and passion for the sport he cherished. In 1969, he assumed the role of head coach for DePaul men's tennis, where he shared his insights and expertise with generations of collegiate athletes. "I was walking down the street one day, and I ran into Ray Meyer," Lott said. "He asked me to coach the team at DePaul. We became good friends, and I decided to stay." Lott was known to have many friends in the world of sports including Jack Dempsey, Earle Sands, George Sisler, Bobby Jones, and Bill Tilden.
In his free time, Lott was an avid writer, contributing to the Tennis Magazine, in addition to co authoring a book titled, 'How to Play Winning Doubles,' which was released in 1980. At the time of his passing in 1991, Lott held the distinction of being the nation's most senior collegiate tennis coach, having led the Blue Demons for twenty-two years. Beyond his career accolades, George Lott stood as a true leader and pioneer within the world of tennis. His legacy as a mentor, coach, and guiding force at DePaul University will continue to be celebrated and cherished for generations to come.
"George Lott was an absolute legend," said DePaul men's tennis coach Matt Brothers. "He was a top-ten player in the world and a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. As the leader of DePaul men's tennis for twenty-two years, a twelve-time Grand Slam title winner, and multiple Davis Cup appearances, the list goes on and on. It's been amazing to connect with our alumni and others who knew Lott, sharing memories and stories of him," said Brothers. "It is a pleasure to honor him and his impressive DePaul coaching legacy."
---
Ten Commandments of Tennis
Created by George M. Lott
1. Love and know the game of tennis. It will bring you health and happiness. Return to the game the love you have for it.
2. Execution will bring you success. Execute the things you do best.
3. Make all the easy shots and some of the difficult ones.
4. Develop a second service that is reliable. Double faults are inexcusable.
5. Be quick with your feet and slow with your racket.
6. Hit through the ball.
7. The net is your enemy.
8. View your court through your opponent's eyes. This increases your anticipation tremendously.
9. Never change a winning game. Discipline yourself.
10. Enjoy the game. Be a sportsman in the true sense of the word.
Tennis icon George Martin Lott Jr. was born on October 16, 1906, in Springfield, Illinois. Early on, Lott exhibited an unparalleled passion for the sport and emerged as a towering figure in the world of tennis. His remarkable journey began with a string of victories, clinching the Illinois State Championship (IHSA) title an impressive four times between 1922-1924 as a member of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools interscholastic team. Among his accolades, Lott secured three singles titles and one doubles championship, setting the stage for his Hall of Fame career. During his time at the University of Chicago, Lott excelled in tennis, securing both the Big Ten singles and doubles championships in 1929. Concurrently, he pursued his academic studies, graduating from the University in 1930.
Throughout his career, Lott claimed three Wimbledon titles, five U.S. Open titles, and one French Open title. Additionally, he made history as the first Western player to clinch the National Doubles title in 1928, solidifying his place among the sport's elite. By 1931, Lott soared to the pinnacle of the tennis rankings, reaching No. 2 in the world. Throughout his illustrious professional career, he garnered eight top-ten nominations, showcasing his consistent excellence on the court. Lott amassed over forty national and international tennis titles, which included a total of twelve major championship victories. Remarkably, his eight U.S. National titles are tied for third-best in the history of the sport. Moreover, Lott maintained an undefeated 11-0 record in doubles from 1928-1934 as a member of the Davis Cup team, as well as holding an overall record of 18-4, further solidifying his reputation in the international tennis scene.
Remarkably, Lott clinched five U.S. Open doubles titles with three different partners, an enduring testament to Lott's dominance and precision in doubles play. His 1928 victory alongside John Hennessey stands out as the pair took down Gerald Patterson and John Hawkes with an astonishing 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 victory, marking the fewest games played in a men's doubles final. Lott carved his name into the record books yet again as the first player – and one of only four in history – to claim victory at the Cincinnati Open on four distinct occasions. The only others to attain this feat include Bobby Riggs, Mats Wilander, and Roger Federer. During his career, Lott also took home four Canadian Covered Court Championships and one Pinehurst Resort title. Upon retiring from the sport, Lott stood acclaimed as one of the most distinguished doubles players in tennis history, excelling in both men's and mixed doubles teams.
In 1964, Lott was honored with an induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. His outstanding career also earned him six additional Hall of Fame nods, including recognition in the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame, DePaul University Athletics Hall of Fame, and the University of Chicago Athletics Hall of Fame. Following his playing career, Lott found joy in imparting his knowledge and passion for the sport he cherished. In 1969, he assumed the role of head coach for DePaul men's tennis, where he shared his insights and expertise with generations of collegiate athletes. "I was walking down the street one day, and I ran into Ray Meyer," Lott said. "He asked me to coach the team at DePaul. We became good friends, and I decided to stay." Lott was known to have many friends in the world of sports including Jack Dempsey, Earle Sands, George Sisler, Bobby Jones, and Bill Tilden.
In his free time, Lott was an avid writer, contributing to the Tennis Magazine, in addition to co authoring a book titled, 'How to Play Winning Doubles,' which was released in 1980. At the time of his passing in 1991, Lott held the distinction of being the nation's most senior collegiate tennis coach, having led the Blue Demons for twenty-two years. Beyond his career accolades, George Lott stood as a true leader and pioneer within the world of tennis. His legacy as a mentor, coach, and guiding force at DePaul University will continue to be celebrated and cherished for generations to come.
"George Lott was an absolute legend," said DePaul men's tennis coach Matt Brothers. "He was a top-ten player in the world and a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. As the leader of DePaul men's tennis for twenty-two years, a twelve-time Grand Slam title winner, and multiple Davis Cup appearances, the list goes on and on. It's been amazing to connect with our alumni and others who knew Lott, sharing memories and stories of him," said Brothers. "It is a pleasure to honor him and his impressive DePaul coaching legacy."
---
Ten Commandments of Tennis
Created by George M. Lott
1. Love and know the game of tennis. It will bring you health and happiness. Return to the game the love you have for it.
2. Execution will bring you success. Execute the things you do best.
3. Make all the easy shots and some of the difficult ones.
4. Develop a second service that is reliable. Double faults are inexcusable.
5. Be quick with your feet and slow with your racket.
6. Hit through the ball.
7. The net is your enemy.
8. View your court through your opponent's eyes. This increases your anticipation tremendously.
9. Never change a winning game. Discipline yourself.
10. Enjoy the game. Be a sportsman in the true sense of the word.
Men's Tennis NCAA Preview 2022
Tuesday, May 03
Men's Tennis NCAA Preview
Wednesday, May 05