# 1888 women's tennis season

The 1888 Women's tennis season was a tennis circuit composed of 67 national, regional, county, and regular tournaments. It was the 13th annual season since the first women's tennis tournaments were held in 1876. The season began in February in Auckland, New Zealand, and ended in December in Napier, New Zealand.

## Summary of season

From 1888 until 1912 Britain's Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), grew in status and influence to become the de facto international tennis governing body before the proper International Lawn Tennis Federation commenced operations. Despite the United States National Lawn Tennis Association (USNLTA) forming in 1881 a good seven years before the LTA, it was the British body that set laws, settled disputes and organized the increasingly complicated tournament calendar before the International Lawn Tennis Federation (ILTF) formed in March,1913.
After the formation of the ILTF the world tennis circuit going forward was a highly organised and structured network of national and international tournaments. Most tennis tournaments were usually mixed events for men and women, and the women's international tennis circuit certainly up to 1923 was composed mainly of tournaments on the British and European Circuits. After the USNLTA joined the ILTF this would later change with more and more tournaments being staged globally. Women tennis players on the world circuit up to the open era were funded by their national associations enabling them to travel and take part in international tournaments.
1888 sees a decrease in the number women's singles events on the previous year being held as the tennis circuit continues to form. The 1888 women's tennis season began on 27 February with the|Auckland Association Championships in Auckland, New Zealand. In May 1888 at the first major event of the year the Irish Championships played at the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club in Dublin, Ireland. England's Blanche Hillyard wins the singles title for the first time compatriot Bertha Steedman two sets to love. The ladies doubles event is won by English sister's Bertha Steedman and Mary Steedman, and in the mixed doubles Margaret Bracewell partnering Ernest Wool Lewis defeat the English/Irish pairing of Bertha Steedman and Hugh Cairns. In June 1888 sees a change in scheduling when the U.S. National Championships held at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, PA are brought forward this month, Bertha Townsend sweeps away title holder Ellen Hansell in straight sets.
Later at the end of June the third major tournament of the year the Northern Championships is played at the Liverpool Cricket Club in Liverpool sees Lottie Dod retain her title beating Irish Champion Blanche Hillyard in straights sets, the women's doubles event is won by the sister's Ann Dod and Lottie Dod who defeat the English/Irish pairing of Margaret Bracewell and May Langrishe in the final. The All England mixed doubles event is won by Blanche Hillyard and Ernest Renshaw defeating Lottie Dod and John Charles Kay on their way to the title. In June Ireland's Connie Butler wins the Scottish Championships in Edinburgh against England's Ann Dod, and at the Welsh Championships in Penarth Blanche Hillyard takes the title against Miss N Pope.
In July at the 1888 Wimbledon Championships the world's first major tennis tournament, Lottie Dod successfully defends last years title, when she defeats Blanche Hillyard in straight sets to claim her second major title of the season. The season ended on 30 December 1888 at the New Zealand Championships, held in Napier, New Zealand played on grass.

## Season results

Prior to the creation of the International Lawn Tennis Federation and the establishment of its world championship events in 1913 the Wimbledon Championships, the U.S. National Championships, the Irish Lawn Tennis Championships and the Northern Championships were considered by players and historians as the four most important tennis tournaments to win.
This is a calendar of all known official events that were administered by national, regional, provincial, state, and county lawn tennis associations in the year 1888, with player progression documented from the quarter-finals stage where historical sources have permitted.
Key
* Important.
* National
* Provincial/State/Regional
* County
* Regular

### January

No events

### February

No events

### March

| Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist |
| 1 Mar. | Auckland Association Championships Auckland, New Zealand Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss. Mowbray 6–2, 6–0 | Miss. Jahn | | |

### April

| Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist |
| 12 Apr. | Ceylon Championships The Hill Club Nuwara Eliya, Ceylon Clay Singles - Doubles | Miss I. J. Watson 6–1, 6–1, 6–5 | Miss A'Esterre | | |

### May

| Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist |
| 7 May. | Inter-Colonial Lawn Tennis Tournament (Championship of New South Wales) Sydney, Australia Grass Singles - Doubles | Lillian Scott 8–6, 6–4 | Ellen Mayne | Eliza Fitzgerald Edith L Fox | Florence Batt Ellen Blaxland Ada Keele Miss Maddrell |
| 7 May. | Inter-Colonial Lawn Tennis Tournament (Championship of New South Wales) Sydney, Australia Grass Singles - Doubles | Challenger Ellen Mayne | | Eliza Fitzgerald Edith L Fox | Florence Batt Ellen Blaxland Ada Keele Miss Maddrell |
| 7 May. | Inter-Colonial Lawn Tennis Tournament (Championship of New South Wales) Sydney, Australia Grass Singles - Doubles | Lilian Scott Zilla Scott 6–1, 3–6, 6–2 | Edith Fox Ellen Mayne | Eliza Fitzgerald Edith L Fox | Florence Batt Ellen Blaxland Ada Keele Miss Maddrell |
| 7 May. | Inter-Colonial Lawn Tennis Tournament (Championship of New South Wales) Sydney, Australia Grass Singles - Doubles | Ellen Mayne Dudley Webb 6–4, 2–6, 6–1 | Zilla Scott Alec Chomley | Eliza Fitzgerald Edith L Fox | Florence Batt Ellen Blaxland Ada Keele Miss Maddrell |
| 26 May. | West of Scotland Championships Pollockshields Athletic Club Pollokshields, Scotland Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss Rose 6–0, 10–8 | Miss Simpson | | |
| 26 May | Flushing Spring Tournament Flushing Athletic Club Flushing, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Ellen M. Lynch 6–3, 6–3, 6–3 | Miss Ward | Miss Bogert Miss Mann | |
| 26 May | Irish Championships Fitzwilliam LTC Dublin, Ireland Grass Singles - Doubles | Blanche Hillyard 7–5, 6–2 | Bertha Steedman | Constance Bryan May Langrishe | Connie Butler Margaret Bracewell Mary Steedman Isabella Smyth |
| 26 May | Irish Championships Fitzwilliam LTC Dublin, Ireland Grass Singles - Doubles | Bertha Steedman Mary Steedman 6–2, 3–6, 6–1 | Margaret Bracewell Blanche Hillyard | Constance Bryan May Langrishe | Connie Butler Margaret Bracewell Mary Steedman Isabella Smyth |
| 26 May | Irish Championships Fitzwilliam LTC Dublin, Ireland Grass Singles - Doubles | Margaret Bracewell Ernest Wool Lewis 6–3, 6–3, 4–6, 9–7 | Bertha Steedman H Cairns | Constance Bryan May Langrishe | Connie Butler Margaret Bracewell Mary Steedman Isabella Smyth |

### June

| Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist |
| 1 Jun | Washington D.C. Open Tournament Kendall Green Washington D.C., United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Florence Bayard 6–2, 6–0, 6–1 | Agnes S. Bartlett | | |
| 1 Jun | Washington D.C. Open Tournament Kendall Green Washington D.C., United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Florence Bayard Annie J. Safford 6–0, 6–1, 6–3 | Agnes S. Bartlett Sallie A. Bartlett | | |
| 2 Jun. | Championship of West of England Lansdown Cricket Club Bath, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Lottie Dod 6–3, 6–0 | N. Pope | Margaret Bracewell Gertrude Gibbs | Ann Dod Blanche Hillyard Beatrice Langrishe |
| 2 Jun. | Championship of West of England Lansdown Cricket Club Bath, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Ann Dod Lottie Dod 11–9, 7–5 | Beatrice Langrishe N. Pope | Margaret Bracewell Gertrude Gibbs | Ann Dod Blanche Hillyard Beatrice Langrishe |
| 2 Jun. | Championship of West of England Lansdown Cricket Club Bath, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Margaret Bracewell Harry Grove 6–4, 4–6, 6–1 | Lottie Dod Anthony Dod | Margaret Bracewell Gertrude Gibbs | Ann Dod Blanche Hillyard Beatrice Langrishe |
| 2 Jun. | New York Tennis Club Open New York Tennis Club New York City, United States Clay Singles - Doubles | Miss Locke 6–1, 6–1 | A McKinley | Adelaide Badgley Mrs Johnson | |
| 2 Jun. | New York Tennis Club Open New York Tennis Club New York City, United States Clay Singles - Doubles | Adelaide Badgley Howard Badgley Won | Augustus Schultz William D. Hobart | Adelaide Badgley Mrs Johnson | |
| 9 Jun. | East Gloucestershire Championships Cheltenham LTC Grass Cheltenham, England Singles - Doubles | Louisa Martin 6–4, 5–7, 6–2 | Blanche Hillyard | Margaret Bracewell Miss Fenwick | Gertrude Bracewell Ellen Browne M. Crossley Beatrice Langrishe |
| 9 Jun. | Whitehouse Open Whitehouse LTC Edinburgh, Scotland Clay Singles - Doubles | Ann Dod 6–2, 8–6 | J Ferguson | | |
| 9 Jun. | Whitehouse Open Whitehouse LTC Edinburgh, Scotland Clay Singles - Doubles | Ann Dod J Ferguson 6–2, 6–4 | Miss Meikle Jane Meikle | | |
| 9 Jun. | Whitehouse Open Whitehouse LTC Edinburgh, Scotland Clay Singles - Doubles | Ann Dod Richard Millar Watson 5–7, 6–3, 6–4 | J Ferguson CD Murray | | |
| 13 Jun. | Nottinghamshire LTA Tournament Trent Bridge Ground Nottingham, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Florence Noon 6–2, 6–1 | Frances Snook | Charlotte Snook Agnes Noon Watts | Miss Exham Mrs Hill |
| 15 Jun. | U.S. National Championships Philadelphia Country Club Philadelphia, United States Grass Singles | Bertha Townsend 6–3, 6–5 | Marion Wright | Adeline Robinson | Ellen Roosevelt Violet Ward |
| 15 Jun. | U.S. National Championships Philadelphia Country Club Philadelphia, United States Grass Singles | Challenger Ellen Hansell | | Adeline Robinson | Ellen Roosevelt Violet Ward |
| 16 Jun. | Kent All-Comers' Championships Beckenham LTC Beckenham, England Grass Singles - Doubles | May Jacks 1–6, 6–3, 6–0 | Edith Gurney | Miss Canning N. Howes | Miss Aste E. Forrest J. Kennedy A. Wickham |
| 16 Jun. | Kent All-Comers' Championships Beckenham LTC Beckenham, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Edith Gurney Charles Ross | May Jacks “A.N. Other” | Miss Canning N. Howes | Miss Aste E. Forrest J. Kennedy A. Wickham |
| 16 Jun. | Scottish Championships Dyvour Club Edinburgh, Scotland Grass Singles - Doubles | Connie Butler 6–3, 6–3 | Beatrice Wood | E, Ferguson J. Ferguson | Jane Meikle Miss Meikle Miss Rankine |
| 16 Jun. | Scottish Championships Dyvour Club Edinburgh, Scotland Grass Singles - Doubles | Challenger Ann Dod | | E, Ferguson J. Ferguson | Jane Meikle Miss Meikle Miss Rankine |
| 16 Jun. | Welsh Championships Penarth LTC Penarth, Wales Grass Singles - Doubles | Blanche Hillyard 6–3, 6–3 | Miss N. Pope | | |
| 22 Jun | London Championships London Athletic Club Stamford Bridge, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Blanche Hillyard 6–4, 6–3 | Miss Canning | Mrs A. Burr | |
| 22 Jun | London Championships London Athletic Club Stamford Bridge, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Challenger May Jacks | | Mrs A. Burr | |
| 23 Jun. | Northern Championships Liverpool Cricket Club Liverpool, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Lottie Dod 6–3, 9–7 | May Langrishe | Margaret Bracewell Louisa Martin | Gertrude Bracewell Florence Mardall Beatrice Wood Florence Stanuell |
| 23 Jun. | Northern Championships Liverpool Cricket Club Liverpool, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Challenger Blanche Hillyard | | Margaret Bracewell Louisa Martin | Gertrude Bracewell Florence Mardall Beatrice Wood Florence Stanuell |
| 23 Jun. | Northern Championships Liverpool Cricket Club Liverpool, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Ann Dod Lottie Dod 6–3, 6–2 | Margaret Bracewell May Langrishe | Margaret Bracewell Louisa Martin | Gertrude Bracewell Florence Mardall Beatrice Wood Florence Stanuell |
| 23 Jun. | Northern Championships Liverpool Cricket Club Liverpool, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Blanche Hillyard Ernest Renshaw 7–5, 10–8 | Lottie Dod John Charles Kay | Margaret Bracewell Louisa Martin | Gertrude Bracewell Florence Mardall Beatrice Wood Florence Stanuell |
| 30 Jun. | Waterloo Tournament Waterloo LTC Waterloo, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Ann Dod 4–6, 6–0, 6–3 | K. Hill | | |
| 30 Jun. | Waterloo Tournament Waterloo LTC Waterloo, England Grass Singles - Doubles | M. Pick John Charles 8–6, 6–3 | K. Hill William Wethered | | |
| 30 Jun. | Midland Counties Championships Edgbaston CLTC Edgbaston, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Margaret Bracewell 7–5, 6–2 | Florence Mardall | Gertrude Bracewell J. Wray | Mrs G Elkington Bertha Steedman Mary Steedman Lilian Watson |
| 30 Jun. | Midland Counties Championships Edgbaston CLTC Edgbaston, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Lilian Watson Maud Watson 6–0 1–0, retd | Bertha Steedman Mary Steedman | Gertrude Bracewell J. Wray | Mrs G Elkington Bertha Steedman Mary Steedman Lilian Watson |
| 30 Jun. | Midland Counties Championships Edgbaston CLTC Edgbaston, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Maud Watson John Redfern Deykin 0–6, 7–5, 6–2 | Bertha Steedman George Brown | Gertrude Bracewell J. Wray | Mrs G Elkington Bertha Steedman Mary Steedman Lilian Watson |
| Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist |
| 1 Jul. | Natal Championships Pietermaritzburg, Colony of Natal Grass Singles - Doubles | Mabel Grant 6–4, 6–3 | Norah Hickman | Beatrice Grant Miss Lloyd | Miss Grant Miss Nimmo |
| 1 Jul. | Natal Championships Pietermaritzburg, Colony of Natal Grass Singles - Doubles | Challenger L. Button | | Beatrice Grant Miss Lloyd | Miss Grant Miss Nimmo |
| 1 Jul. | Natal Championships Pietermaritzburg, Colony of Natal Grass Singles - Doubles | L. Button Reuben Benningfield 6–1, 6–3 | Mabel Grant William J. Grant | Beatrice Grant Miss Lloyd | Miss Grant Miss Nimmo |
| 21 Jul. | Taunton and West Somerset Lawn Tennis Tournament Coton Hill Institution Grounds Stafford, England Grass Singles - Doubles | N. Pope default | Louisa Sweet-Escott | A. Boucher Ada Meyler | Angel Smith Miss Kepple-Taylor |
| 21 Jul. | Taunton and West Somerset Lawn Tennis Tournament Coton Hill Institution Grounds Stafford, England Grass Singles - Doubles | N. Pope Louisa Sweet-Escott 6–2, 6–4 | Ada Meyler Jessie Meyler | A. Boucher Ada Meyler | Angel Smith Miss Kepple-Taylor |
| 7 Jul. | Staffordshire Lawn Tennis Tournament Coton Hill Institution Grounds Stafford, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Agnes Watts 6–1, 0–6, 6–4 | Bertha Steedman | | |
| 7 Jul. | Staffordshire Lawn Tennis Tournament Coton Hill Institution Grounds Stafford, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Bertha Steedman Ernest Wool Lewis 6–4, 6–1 | Mary Steedman John Redfern Deykin | | |
| 19 Jul. | Leamington Open Tournament Leamington Spa, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Alice Pickering 4–6, 6–1, 6–2 | Mrs Christie | | |
| 19 Jul. | Wimbledon Championships AELTC London, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Lottie Dod 6–2, 6–0 | Miss Howes | D. Patterson Miss Phillimore | Miss Canning Blanche Williams |
| 19 Jul. | Wimbledon Championships AELTC London, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Challenger Blanche Hillyard | | D. Patterson Miss Phillimore | Miss Canning Blanche Williams |
| 24 Jul. | Meadow Club Invitation Meadow Club Southampton, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | E. K. Lente 6–4, 5–6, 6–4 | A Smallwood | May Colby M. Lente | Mrs Babbitt J Fraser E. W. Smith N Trowbridge |
| 24 Jul. | Meadow Club Invitation Meadow Club Southampton, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | E. K. Lente A. Smallwood 6–1, 6–1 | May Colby J Fraser | May Colby M. Lente | Mrs Babbitt J Fraser E. W. Smith N Trowbridge |
| 24 Jul. | Meadow Club Invitation Meadow Club Southampton, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss Betts Henry Slocum 6–4, 11–9 | Miss Gregory Oliver Samuel Campbell | May Colby M. Lente | Mrs Babbitt J Fraser E. W. Smith N Trowbridge |
| 28 Jul | Yorkshire Association and County Open Tournament Ilkley LTC Ilkley, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Margaret Bracewell 3–6, 6–0, 7–5 | Mabel Boulton | Gertrude Bracewell L. Chatterton-Clarke | M. Crossley Miss Hutchinson |
| 28 Jul | Yorkshire Association and County Open Tournament Ilkley LTC Ilkley, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Challenger Beatrice Wood | | Gertrude Bracewell L. Chatterton-Clarke | M. Crossley Miss Hutchinson |
| 28 Jul | Yorkshire Association and County Open Tournament Ilkley LTC Ilkley, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Margaret Bracewell James Baldwin default | Gertrude Bracewell Marmaduke S. Constable | Gertrude Bracewell L. Chatterton-Clarke | M. Crossley Miss Hutchinson |
| 28 Jul | Middlesex Championships Chiswick, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Blanche Hillyard 6–2, 6–4 | Edith Cole | Ethel Gurney Miss Malcolm | Mrs Anderson Miss Howes May Jacks H. James |
| 28 Jul | Middlesex Championships Chiswick, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Challenger D Patterson (holder) | | Ethel Gurney Miss Malcolm | Mrs Anderson Miss Howes May Jacks H. James |
| 28 Jul | Middlesex Championships Chiswick, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Edith Gurney Blanche Hillyard 6–1, 6–3 | D Patterson J Wray | Ethel Gurney Miss Malcolm | Mrs Anderson Miss Howes May Jacks H. James |
| 29 Jul. | Ealing LTC Championship Ealing LTC Ealing, England Grass Singles - Doubles | A. Francesca Brown Won | ? | | |

### August

| Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist |
| 4 Aug. | Northumberland Championships Newcastle upon Tyne, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Connie Butler 3–6, 6–4, 6–4 | Ann Dod | Helen Jackson Beatrice Wood | Mrs Raggett Miss Swarbreck Miss Tarver A. Turner |
| 4 Aug. | Northumberland Championships Newcastle upon Tyne, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Ann Dod John Galbraith Horn walkover | Helen Jackson Charles Liddell | Helen Jackson Beatrice Wood | Mrs Raggett Miss Swarbreck Miss Tarver A. Turner |
| 6 Aug | Derbyshire Championships Buxton, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Blanche Hillyard 7–5, 6–1 | May Langrishe | Gertrude Bracewell M. Goodman | Margaret Bracewell M. Crossley Katherine Hill Miss Pickthall |
| 6 Aug | Derbyshire Championships Buxton, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Lottie Dod May Langrishe 6–3, 6–3 | Bertha Steedman Mary Steedman | Gertrude Bracewell M. Goodman | Margaret Bracewell M. Crossley Katherine Hill Miss Pickthall |
| 6 Aug | Derbyshire Championships Buxton, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Lottie Dod William Drummond Hamilton 6–0, 6–1 | Margaret Bracewell Tom Campion | Gertrude Bracewell M. Goodman | Margaret Bracewell M. Crossley Katherine Hill Miss Pickthall |
| 6 Aug | Staten Island Invitation Staten Island Athletic Club West New Brighton, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Adeline Robinson 6–1, 6–1 | G. Quartley | A. Larkin L. Vorhees | L. Bailey Miss Dean N. Janssen Gertrude Williams |
| 6 Aug | Staten Island Invitation Staten Island Athletic Club West New Brighton, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Adeline Robinson Gertrude Williams 6–0, 6–1 | M. Bailey G. Quartley | A. Larkin L. Vorhees | L. Bailey Miss Dean N. Janssen Gertrude Williams |
| 9 Aug | Darlington Association Tournament Feethams Cricket Ground Darlington, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Beatrice Wood 3–6, 6–0, 6–3 | Ann Dod | | |
| 9 Aug | Darlington Association Tournament Feethams Cricket Ground Darlington, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Ann Dod Miss Lucas 5–7, 6–4, 6–2 | Ethel Cheese Mary Cheese | | |
| 9 Aug | Darlington Association Tournament Feethams Cricket Ground Darlington, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Ann Dod John Galbraith Horn 7–5, 13–11 | Constance Bowes-Lyon Patrick Bowes-Lyon | | |
| 10 Aug | Keswick and Lake District Lawn Tennis Tournament Fitz Park Keswick, England. Grass Singles - Doubles | Lydia Cheetham 5–7, 6–3, 6–2 | Florence Haines | | |
| 10 Aug | Keswick and Lake District Lawn Tennis Tournament Fitz Park Keswick, England. Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss Allen J.E.R. Allen 1–6, 6–1, 6–4 | E. Haines Edgar J. Chippendale | | |
| 10 Aug | East Grinstead Lawn Tennis Tournament East Grinstead LTCC East Grinstead, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Ivy Arbuthnot May Arbuthnot divided title | | | |
| 10 Aug | East Grinstead Lawn Tennis Tournament East Grinstead LTCC East Grinstead, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Ivy Arbuthnot May Arbuthnot 6–1, 6–0 | Miss Birch Miss Thompson | | |
| 10 Aug | East Grinstead Lawn Tennis Tournament East Grinstead LTCC East Grinstead, England Grass Singles - Doubles | A. Covey Harold Stone 7–5, 6–3 | J. Saint Clair P.E. Wallis | | |
| 11 Aug | Exmouth Tournament Exmouth Ground Exmouth, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Blanche Hillyard 6–3, 6–1 | Miss Bryan | Katharine Kindersley Lilian Pine-Coffin | Edith Gurney Beatrice Langrishe May Langrishe Florence Mardall |
| 11 Aug | Exmouth Tournament Exmouth Ground Exmouth, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Ann Dod Miss Lucas 5–7, 6–4, 6–2 | Ethel Cheese Mary Cheese | Katharine Kindersley Lilian Pine-Coffin | Edith Gurney Beatrice Langrishe May Langrishe Florence Mardall |
| 17 Aug | British Columbia Lawn Tennis Championships Victoria LTC Victoria, Canada Grass Singles - Doubles | Frances Arrowsmith Won | Anastasia Musgrave | | |
| 18 Aug | East of Scotland Championships St Andrews, Scotland Grass Singles - Doubles | Jane Meikle 6–3, 6–4 | A Corbett | | |
| 18 Aug | Felixstowe Open Lawn Tennis Tournament Felixstowe LTC Felixstowe, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Nellie Turner 4–6, 6–2, 10–8 | F Green | | |
| 18 Aug | Felixstowe Open Lawn Tennis Tournament Felixstowe LTC Felixstowe, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Helen Kersey Herbert Kersey 6–3, 6–0 | Mrs K.E. Hawkins Arthur B. Longe | | |
| 20 Aug | Narragansett Pier Open Narragansett, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Adeline Robinson 6–0, 6–1, 6–0 | Ellen Roosevelt | | |
| 20 Aug | Narragansett Pier Open Narragansett, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Ellen Roosevelt Oliver Samuel Campbell 6–2, 6–2, 4–6, 6–3 | Adeline Robinson Howard Augustus Taylor | | |
| 23 Aug | Saxmundham LTC Tournament Hurts Hall Park Saxmundham, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss Norman 6–1, 6–2 | Edith Austin | | |
| 23 Aug | Saxmundham LTC Tournament Hurts Hall Park Saxmundham, England Grass Singles - Doubles | E. Hawkins G. Rant 6–2, 6–3 | K. Gilbert E. Rawlinson | | |
| 23 Aug | Saxmundham LTC Tournament Hurts Hall Park Saxmundham, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss Norman G. Norman 6–0, 6–2 | E. Rawlinson Rodwell | | |
| 24 Aug | Torquay Lawn Tennis Tournament Torquay, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss Mockler | A. Foley | | |
| 24 Aug | Torquay Lawn Tennis Tournament Torquay, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Edith Gurney Ernest Wool Lewis 6–1, 6–2 | Miss Wolfe William Inchbald | | |
| 25 Aug | Hitchin Tournament Hitchin, England Grass Singles - Doubles | May Jacks 6–0, 6–3 | Florence Hilda Caldecott | | |
| 25 Aug | Hitchin Tournament Hitchin, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Ivy Arbuthnot May Arbuthnot 6–3, 3–6, 9–7 | Geraldine Buttanshaw Rosamond Buttanshaw | | |
| 25 Aug | Hitchin Tournament Hitchin, England Grass Singles - Doubles | May Jacks Herbert C. Yockney 6–3, 6–3 | Geraldine Buttanshaw Charles Gladstone Allen | | |
| 25 Aug | South of Scotland Championships Moffat, Scotland Grass Singles - Doubles | E. Malcolm 6–4, 3–6, 6–3 | Lottie Paterson | | |
| 25 Aug | South of Scotland Championships Moffat, Scotland Grass Singles - Doubles | E. Malcolm Lottie Paterson 6–2, 6–2 | Miss Pierce A Pierce | | |
| 25 Aug | South of Scotland Championships Moffat, Scotland Grass Singles - Doubles | E. Malcolm F.R.B. Pinhorn 6–1, 4–6, 6–2 | Lottie Paterson B McCulloch | | |
| 26 Aug. | Southern California Championships Santa Monica Casino Courts Santa Monica, United States Asphalt Singles - Doubles | Miss G. Gilliland 6–2, 6–0 | May Carter | Miss Schumacher | |
| 26 Aug. | Southern California Championships Santa Monica Casino Courts Santa Monica, United States Asphalt Singles - Doubles | Mrs. Waring R. P. Carter 6–2, 6–3 | Miss Gilliland Miss Schumacher | Miss Schumacher | |
| 27 Aug | County Kildare Championship Naas, Ireland Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss. A. Weldon 6–1, 6–4 | Miss. C. DeBurgh | | |
| 27 Aug | County Kildare Championship Naas, Ireland Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss. A. Weldon John C. Kennedy 6–4, 7–5, 6–2 | Mrs Ambrose Escott G. Weidon | | |
| 28 Aug | North of England Championships Scarborough, Great Britain Grass Singles - Doubles | Margaret Bracewell 1–6, 6–4, 9–7, 6–4 | Connie Butler | Mary Steedman Beatrice Wood | Ann Dod M Crossley Clara Hill A. Turner |
| 28 Aug | North of England Championships Scarborough, Great Britain Grass Singles - Doubles | Challenger Bertha Steedman | | Mary Steedman Beatrice Wood | Ann Dod M Crossley Clara Hill A. Turner |
| 28 Aug | North of England Championships Scarborough, Great Britain Grass Singles - Doubles | Ann Dod Lottie Dod 6–3, 6–4 | Bertha Steedman Mary Steedman | Mary Steedman Beatrice Wood | Ann Dod M Crossley Clara Hill A. Turner |
| 28 Aug | North of England Championships Scarborough, Great Britain Grass Singles - Doubles | Margaret Bracewell Harry Grove 6–3, 6–1 | Gertrude Bracewell Percy Bateman Brown | Mary Steedman Beatrice Wood | Ann Dod M Crossley Clara Hill A. Turner |
| 28 Aug | Seabright Invitational Tournament Seabright LTCC Rumson, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss Clarkson 6–2, 6–0 | B. Lockwood | | |
| 28 Aug | Seabright Invitational Tournament Seabright LTCC Rumson, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | B. Lockwood H. Alexander 4–6, 6–3, 6–0 | Miss Thomas W. Ward | | |
| 28 Aug | Winnipeg Open Lawn Tennis Tournament Winnipeg LTC Winnipeg, Canada Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss F. Adams 6–5, 6–3 | Mrs. Eden | | |
| 28 Aug | Winnipeg Open Lawn Tennis Tournament Winnipeg LTC Winnipeg, Canada Grass Singles - Doubles | Mrs. Ruttan R.D. Applegate 6–3, 6–4 | Mrs. Nares Mr. Tuckweel | | |

### September

| Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist |
| 1 Sep. | Bournemouth Lawn Tennis Club Tournament Bournemouth CLTC Bournemouth, England Grass Singles - Doubles | May Langrishe 6–1, 7–5 | Beatrice Langrishe | Miss Elphinston Miss Williams | A. Everitt Grace Grissell J.R. Robinson Mrs Surman |
| 1 Sep. | Bournemouth Lawn Tennis Club Tournament Bournemouth CLTC Bournemouth, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Holder Constance Bryan | | Miss Elphinston Miss Williams | A. Everitt Grace Grissell J.R. Robinson Mrs Surman |
| 1 Sep. | Bournemouth Lawn Tennis Club Tournament Bournemouth CLTC Bournemouth, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Beatrice Langrishe May Langrishe 4–6, 6–4, 6–1 | Miss Bryan A. Everitt | Miss Elphinston Miss Williams | A. Everitt Grace Grissell J.R. Robinson Mrs Surman |
| 3 Sep. | Sheffield and Hallamshire Tournament Sheffield, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss Clark 6–1, 6–2 | Miss Crossley | | |
| 11 Sep | South of England Championships Devonshire Park LTC Eastbourne, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Blanche Hillyard 6–1, 6–1 | Constance Smith | E. Malcolm Gertrude Mellersh | Edith Gurney Elizabeth Mocatta Blanche Pedley Catherine Triscott |
| 11 Sep | South of England Championships Devonshire Park LTC Eastbourne, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Holder Margaret Bracewell | | E. Malcolm Gertrude Mellersh | Edith Gurney Elizabeth Mocatta Blanche Pedley Catherine Triscott |
| 11 Sep | South of England Championships Devonshire Park LTC Eastbourne, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Margaret Bracewell Harry S. Barlow 6–8, 6–2, 6–3 | Blanche Hillyard Tom Campion | E. Malcolm Gertrude Mellersh | Edith Gurney Elizabeth Mocatta Blanche Pedley Catherine Triscott |
| 13 Sep | Boulogne International Championship TC Boulogne-sur-Mer Boulogne-sur-Mer, France Clay Singles - Doubles | Mrs Knock 2–6, 6–2, 7–5 | Miss Hick | | |
| 15 Sep | Armagh Lawn Tennis Tournament Archery LTC Armagh, Ireland Asphalt Singles - Doubles | Lena Rice 2–1 sets | May Langrishe | | |
| 16 Sep | Wijk aan Zee Ladies Tournament (round robin event) Wijk aan Zee TC Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands Clay Singles - Doubles | E. van de Poll 2–0 matches | Baronesse van Tuijll van Serooskerker Mej. Matzen | | |
| 16 Sep | Essex Championships Connaught Club Chingford, England Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss Triscott 6–4, 0–6, 6–4 | Brenda James | | |
| 18 Sep | New Hamburg Invitation New Hamburg LTC New Hamburg, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Ellen Roosevelt Won | May Colby | Anna Kerr | |
| 18 Sep | New Hamburg Invitation New Hamburg LTC New Hamburg, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Ellen Roosevelt Grace Roosevelt Won | Miss V. Hobart Camilla Moss | Anna Kerr | |
| 19 Sep | New York Tennis Club Open New York Tennis Club New York City, United States Clay Singles - Doubles | No Women's Singles | May Colby | | |
| 19 Sep | New York Tennis Club Open New York Tennis Club New York City, United States Clay Singles - Doubles | Mrs H.G. Badgley Lida Vorhees 5–6, 6–1, 6–4 | Miss Hobart V. Hobart | | |
| 19 Sep | Belmont Fall Tennis Tournament Belmont Cricket Club West Philadelphia, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Bertha Townsend 9–7, 8–6 | Nellie F. Hansell | | |
| 19 Sep | Belmont Fall Tennis Tournament Belmont Cricket Club West Philadelphia, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Helen S. Taylor Laura Knight 6–0, 6–5 | Millie Dreka Helen Brown | | |
| 22 Sep. | Queensland Association Tournament (later Queensland Championships) Brisbane, Australia Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss Earle 12–9 | Mrs. Gilligan | | |
| 29 Sep | Hudson River Championships Far & Near LTC Hastings-on-Hudson, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Ellen Roosevelt Won | ? | | |
| 29 Sep | Hudson River Championships Far & Near LTC Hastings-on-Hudson, United States Grass Singles - Doubles | Ellen Roosevelt Grace Roosevelt Won | ? ? | | |

### October

| Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist |
| 6 Oct | Ladies Club for Outdoor Sports Open Livingston, United States Singles - Doubles | Adeline Robinson 4–6, 6–2, 6–3. | Miss Lesley |
| 6 Oct | Ladies Club for Outdoor Sports Open Livingston, United States Singles - Doubles | Ellen Roosevelt Grace Roosevelt 6–2, 6–0 | Adeline Robinson G. Williams |
| 14 Oct | Delaware Field Club Open Delaware Field Club Wilmington, United States Clay Singles - Doubles | Florence Bayard 6–3, 6–0 | Katharine Pyle |

### November

| Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist |
| 1 Nov. | Victorian Championships Melbourne, Australia Grass Singles - Doubles | Miss M Mayne 6–1, 3–6, 6–4 | Nellie A’Beckett | E. M. Denny's Mabel Shaw | Annie Chenery |
| 1 Nov. | Victorian Championships Melbourne, Australia Grass Singles - Doubles | Annie Chenery Nellie Chenery 6–4, 6–5 | Ellen Mayne Phenie Shaw | E. M. Denny's Mabel Shaw | Annie Chenery |
| 1 Nov. | Victorian Championships Melbourne, Australia Grass Singles - Doubles | Nellie A'Beckett Henry F. de Little Won | ? | E. M. Denny's Mabel Shaw | Annie Chenery |

### December

| Ended | Tournament | Winner | Finalist | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist |
| 30 Dec | New Zealand Championships Farndon Park Napier, New Zealand Singles - Doubles | E. Gordon 6–5, 9–7 | Hilda Hitchings | Sarah Tanner Miss Weby | Miss Bibby Una Hitchings |
| 30 Dec | New Zealand Championships Farndon Park Napier, New Zealand Singles - Doubles | E Gordon Hilda Hitchings 6–2, 6–2 | Miss Hill Mrs E Tanner | Sarah Tanner Miss Weby | Miss Bibby Una Hitchings |
| 30 Dec | New Zealand Championships Farndon Park Napier, New Zealand Singles - Doubles | E Gordon Frederick Wilding 6–1, 6–3 | Hilda Hitchings CD Kennedy | Sarah Tanner Miss Weby | Miss Bibby Una Hitchings |

## Tournament winners (singles)

This is a list of winners by the total number of singles titles won for 1888 major titles in bold:
* Blanche Hillyard – Buxton, Chiswick Park, Eastbourne, Exmouth, Penarth, Irish Championships Stamford Bridge, (7)
* Lottie Dod – Bath, Northern Championships, Wimbledon Championships (3)
* Adeline Robinson – Livingston, Narragansett, West New Brighton, (3)
* Ann Dod – Edinburgh II, Waterloo (2)
* Connie Butler – Edinburgh, Newcastle upon Tyne, (2)
* May Jacks – Beckenham, Hitchin (2)
* Margaret Bracewell – Edgbaston, Scarborough, (2)
* Bertha Townsend – West Philadelphia, U.S. National Championships, (2)
* Florence Bayard – Washington D.C., Wilmington, (2)
* Beatrice Wood – Darlington, Ilkley, (2)
* Ellen Roosevelt – Hastings-on-Hudson, New Hamburg (2)
* Miss. I. J. Watson – Nuwara Eliya (1)
* Lilian Scott – Sydney (1)
* Miss Rose – Pollokshields (1)
* Ellen M. Lynch – Flushing (1)
* Miss Locke – New York City (1)
* Louisa Martin – Cheltenham (1)
* Florence Noon – Nottingham (1)
* Mabel Grant – Pietermaritzburg (1)
* Alice Pickering – Leamington Spa (1)
* Agnes Noon Watts – Stafford (1)
* Francesca Brown – Ealing (1)
* Lydia Cheetham – Keswick (1)
* Ivy Arbuthnot – East Grinstead (1)
* Jane Meikle – St Andrews (1)
* Nellie Turner – Felixstowe (1)
* Miss Norman – Saxmundham (1)
* Miss Mockler – Torquay (1)
* E. K. Lente – Southampton (1)
* E Malcolm – Moffat (1)
* Miss. A. Weldon – Naas (1)
* Frances Arrowsmith – Victoria (1)
* Miss F. Adams – Winnipeg (1)
* Miss Gilliland – Santa Monica (1)
* Miss Clarkson – Rumson (1)
* Miss Triscott – Chingford, (1)
* May Langrishe – Bournemouth (1)
* Lena Rice – Armagh (1)
* L. Chatterton-Clarke – Sheffield (1)
* Miss Knock – Boulogne-sur-Mer (1)
* Miss Earle – Brisbane (1)
* E. van de Poll – Wijk aan Zee (1)
* Ellen Mayne – Melbourne (1)
* E. Gordon – Napier (1)

## Statistical summary
### Singles

* Total Tournaments (65)
* Most Titles: Blanche Hillyard (7)
* Most Finals: Blanche Hillyard (9)
* Most Matches Played: Blanche Hillyard (31)
* Most Matches Won: Blanche Hillyard (27)
* Match Winning %: Blanche Hillyard (87.09%)
* Most Tournaments Played: Blanche Hillyard (11)