He was memorable for just being his affable self, and notable because he began the Grand Masters Tennis Tournaments, which were world-wide events for those who had passed their prime in the game.
In 1972, he staged an event in Cincinnati that included Bobby Riggs and Frank Parker, which Parker won in the final.
Eventually, Bunis, who lived into his 87th year, sold his Grand Masters franchise.
Seniors tennis isn’t as popular now as it was when Bunis ran it, but too many splinter groups formed, with Jimmy Connors often playing one place and John McEnroe another.
Oh, well. It was actually more fun just listening to Bunis tell stories of when he played as a Cincinnati champion in the 1940s, or stories of just who he knew (everybody).
That he died during the U.S. Open is only fitting. A businessman who loved tennis, maybe all this rain is just further tribute to him.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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