Local Tennis Player Wins Big at La Quinta Tournament

Larry Stefanki's surprise victory at the 1985 La Quinta tournament launched his coaching career to the top of men's tennis.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In 1985, little-known tennis player Larry Stefanki pulled off a stunning upset victory at the La Quinta tournament in California, defeating several higher-ranked opponents to claim the $51,000 championship. Stefanki's unexpected triumph on his home court launched him into the spotlight and set the stage for a successful coaching career that would see him guide several top-ranked men's players to Grand Slam titles.

Why it matters

Stefanki's La Quinta win was a major underdog story that captivated tennis fans and foreshadowed his future success as one of the sport's most respected and influential coaches. His ability to defeat more established players on the big stage demonstrated his tactical acumen and adaptability, traits that would serve him well in his coaching career.

The details

As a relative unknown, the 23-year-old Stefanki used his strong backhand, deft volleys, and tricky serve to knock off a series of seeded players, including a dramatic victory over Scott Davis that was interrupted when a spectator was injured. Stefanki then dispatched 14th-seed Greg Holmes in the semifinals before claiming the title, delighting the hometown crowd with his unexpected run.

  • In the summer of 1985, Stefanki competed in the La Quinta tournament in California.
  • Stefanki defeated several higher-ranked players to reach the tournament final.
  • Stefanki won the La Quinta tournament championship, earning a $51,000 prize.

The players

Larry Stefanki

A 23-year-old tennis player who pulled off a surprise victory at the 1985 La Quinta tournament, launching his successful coaching career.

Scott Davis

A seeded player whom Stefanki defeated in a dramatic match that was interrupted when a spectator was injured.

Greg Holmes

The 14th-seeded player whom Stefanki defeated in the semifinals of the La Quinta tournament.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The fact that he was playing at home was huge. He had the crowd behind him. He had all the shots, he had a big serve, good groundies. He was quick, he could do all the things the best players can do. He had just never put them together as well as he did that one week.”

— Charlie Pasarell, Tournament Director (palmspringslife.com)

“I had just hit a serve when I heard a crash. I knew he was not getting up. The umpire asked us if we wanted to keep on playing. Scott said no, and I said no. I mean, there's a guy up there dying.”

— Larry Stefanki (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

Stefanki's surprise victory at La Quinta in 1985 set the stage for his successful coaching career, during which he guided several top-ranked men's players to Grand Slam titles.

The takeaway

Stefanki's improbable triumph at the 1985 La Quinta tournament demonstrated his tactical acumen and adaptability, foreshadowing his future success as one of the most respected and influential coaches in men's tennis.