James Henry Van Alen (September 19, 1902 – July 3, 1991) is best known for being the founder of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the largest tennis museum in the world. A poet, musician, publisher, civic leader and raconteur, Jimmy Van Alen achieved his greatest renown in tennis. His greatest legacies are as the inventor of the first tiebreaker in tennis and as founder and primary benefactor of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum at the Newport Casino, which he gave to the United States Tennis Association in 1954, saving the national landmark from a proposed car park.
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He was born on September 19, 1902 in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. He helped found the Hall of Fame in 1954 at the old Newport Casino. He graduated in 1924 from Cambridge University and played tennis. He died after striking his head in a fall at his home on July 3, 1991.
Two days after his death, on July 5 1991, in a Wimbledon semifinal, Stefan Edberg lost to Michael Stich 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-2). Edberg didn't lose serve. Later, after hearing of Van Alen's death, Edberg said: "If he hadn't lived, Michael and I might still be out there playing".
His mother Daisy inherited the fortune of Frederick W. Vanderbilt. She gave the Vanderbilt Mansion in New Hyde Park NY to the National Park Service.