Tracy Austin Tennis Tournament to Help Children’s Center

Two-time U.S. Open tennis champion Tracy Austin will compete against local tennis players today to help the South Bay Children’s Health Center, which expects to raise about $50,000 to treat children from low-income families.

The Tracy Austin Charity Tennis Tournament has raised about $1 million for the center since it started 19 years ago. The center, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, has facilities in Redondo Beach and Torrance, and has treated more than 200,000 children who could not afford health care.

Austin, who lives in Rolling Hills Estates and gave birth to a baby boy six months ago, is an avid supporter of children. “She has always been very focused on the needs of children,” said tournament publicist Sandie Klaver. “She comes every year no matter how busy her schedule is.”

The South Bay Children’s Center provides dental, vision, hearing and psychological treatment for families who are unable to obtain the services through other means. The Tracy Austin tournament is its largest annual fund-raiser.

The tennis tournament starts at 9 a.m. at the West End Racquet and Health Club in Torrance at 4343 Spencer St. General admission, $10; box seats, $50.