Tommy Buford, the longtime tournament director of the former ATP World Tour stop in Memphis, passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday at his home in Idaho.
“Tommy was a true professional and a great tournament director. More than that, he was a warm, friendly Southern gentleman who was such a pleasure to deal with,” said ATP Vice Chairman Mark Young. “He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all who knew him.”
Buford, who also coached the University of Memphis tennis team for 32 years, had some of the ATP World Tour’s best players compete at the Memphis indoor event each February, from Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe to Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. He was inducted into the Memphis Open Hall of Fame in 2016 for his efforts. But more than anything else, Buford made a strong impression on those around him with his kindness.
"Tommy positively impacted everyone in the tennis community," said Peter Lebedevs according to a University of Memphis press release. Lebedevs once served as the Memphis event’s tournament director and is now the assistant tournament director of the New York Open — the Memphis tournament moved to New York after last season. "He was the epitome of a true Southern gentleman and went out of his way to help everyone."
Former Players Remember Buford
Todd Martin, 1994-95 Memphis champion and current International Tennis Hall of Fame Chief Executive Officer:
"Tommy Buford was one of the best. He was steady as the day was long yet had real passion, he was caring but no pushover, and he represented the sport of tennis and the city of Memphis with a dignity as authentic as the music on Beale Street. I feel fortunate to have had my first significant success at Tommy’s tournament. It allowed me to develop a unique relationship with a gentleman of rare breed. Heaven is a better place with Tommy there.”
Brad Gilbert, 1986 and 1989 Memphis champion:
"Tommy was just a quality person and every time I went back there, whether I was ranked 60 in the world in 1982 playing there for the first time or ranked four, he treated me the same. It was the reason I kept coming back to Memphis every year. He was a caring person and a great man. He did a lot for me and I will always remember him."
Tommy Haas, 1999, 2006-07 Memphis champion:
"I have great memories of Memphis as it was my first event I won on tour and I always enjoyed playing in the Racquet Club atmosphere. Tommy was always very kind and a true tennis lover."