One of Allison's earliest tournament wins was the 1928 Canadian Championship, where he won the final over doubles partner Van Ryn.

At the Wimbledon Championships his best results in singles came in 1930 when he finished runner-up to Bill Tilden, losing the final in straight sets.

[2] En route to the final he defeated reigning champion and first-seed Henri Cochet in straight sets in the quarterfinals.

In 1929, Allison won the Mason Dixon Championships[4] at The Greenbrier resort defeating Frank Hunter in the final in five sets.

In April 1932, Allison won the United North and South Championships at the Pinehurst Country Club defeating Ellsworth Vines in the final in a long five set match.

Allison played a total of 44 matches, 29 in doubles with Van Ryn, in Davis Cup for the United States, the third most of any player behind John McEnroe and Vic Seixas.