Kenny Huffman Tennis Classic
53 Years Since 1973
Hi Tennis Fans,
The year 2025 went out with a bang. It was a tough year for many of us. There were a lot of injuries, and the weather just didn’t want to cooperate. So, I am thrilled to start the 2026 year hoping and praying for a great start.
The tennis season is just around the corner. I am expecting a great year for tennis. I hear from many of my tennis friends that they have a renewed interest and are very excited for the upcoming season. They have been working out and losing a few extra pounds in preparation for the 2026 season. So, let’s get those rackets out, buy your favorite tennis shoes and hit the courts as soon as weather permits.
The Kenny Huffman Tennis Classic is a tradition you do not want to miss. It always happens the last weekend in July. Our KHTC Tennis Committee will meet in February and discuss the date for 2026 plus other matters. Improving the tournament is always top priority. The date will probably be July 30-
Our Mission Statement is to raise funds through the annual Kenny Huffman Tennis Classic Tournament to promote the growth of tennis at all levels of play in Eastern KY, and to provide an annual scholarship in memory of Kenny Huffman, to a deserving junior player in the 14th, 15th, and 16th Regions to aid in getting a college education, and further to promote health/fitness, friendship, sportsmanship, and a general family environment within our community. This is quite a mission statement, providing an annual scholarship and a family environment is very important to us.
I love this tournament. Its history is a big part of my life. I want others to feel how special the KHTC is. It is in memory of my first husband who was a precious soul & a great tennis player. Always strive to do your best at the KHTC to spread the spirit of the tournament.
I watch a lot of professional tournaments. The first major tournament is the Australia Tournament around January 17. The game of tennis has evolved to such a degree that it is hard to believe players can get any better, but they do. The serve is much faster, the angles are much sharper, their physician condition is demanding. I always learn from watching them. As a tennis player it would be a good idea to watch some of the best players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, CoCo Gauff, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, ad Amanda Anisimova. You would learn a lot.
As usual I want to leave you with a few inspirational tennis quotes. “Grind in practice, shine in matches.” -
Sue Huffman Stanley 
Founder of Kenny Huffman Tennis Classic
KHTC Secretary
KHTC Board Member
Author of “A Tennis Love Story”
January 2026
KHTC NEWSLETTER