Tony Prodan

Steve Virgen

Tennis is a game that includes fast serves, momentum switches and

entertaining rallies. But for Tony Prodan, tennis has been so much

more.

Prodan, the former director of the Newport Beach Tennis Club, has

met several friends through tennis and, as a teacher, he has made a

career out of the sport. At age 87, Prodan has endured painful

experiences and tennis has also been there for him.

He continues to play, but does not compete. He can’t picture a

life without tennis. Even after quadruple heart bypass surgery 13

years ago, he kept on playing.

“I love the game because I excelled,” Prodan said. “I play because

I just love the game. It’s a good way to stay active and live

longer.”

He was ranked No. 9 in the world in 65s singles. That’s when he

would win tournament after tournament.

Yet, aside from the success he earned playing tennis, he also

benefited from teaching the sport.

He was the first manager of Lindborg Racquet Club in Huntington

Beach. The club helped convince the city to name a street after him.

Prodan Street is adjacent to the club that is on Gothard Street.

Prodan is also known at Palisades Tennis Club, where there is a

court named in his honor for his community contributions in tennis.

Prodan also met his wife, Janet, because of tennis. Prodan taught

at what is now the Oakwood Garden Apartments in Newport Beach and met

Janet there.

Through tennis, Prodan has also had encounters with several famous

people, including Bill Cosby, Charlton Heston, John Wayne and

colorful tennis ambassador Bobby Riggs.

In the early ‘70s, Prodan spoke with Diane Sawyer, the famed

television journalist, who set up a chance tennis match at Newport

Beach Tennis Club. The tennis match included Gen. Alexander Haig and

Ron Ziegler, press secretary to Richard Nixon.

“I played doubles with General Haig,” Prodan said. “It was fun.”

Tennis has been fun for Prodan ever since he took up the sport

while he was in high school. Prodan seemingly stumbled upon the

sport.

“I grew up in Redondo and went to Redondo High,” he said. “I just

walked by the high school and I went to the tennis courts. I just

thought I would like to try that. I hit the ball and the guys there

told me I was good.”

Later in life, Prodan, a lefty, refined his game and depended on

his serve to wither opponents. He said his game took a hit in 1989

when he suffered a rotator cuff injury. But Prodan continued to play.

“I just love the game,” he said.