The ITF has announced the introduction of a new age category in its Super-Seniors World Team Championships. The Doris Hart Cup, for players aged 80 and over, will be contested for the first time at the 2011 ITF Super-Seniors World Team Championships in Antalya, Turkey on 10-15 October.
The trophy has been donated by the United States Tennis Association in honour of their renowned former player Doris Hart. Hart, now 85 years old, was a six-time Grand Slam singles champion, achieving the career Grand Slam at the 1954 US Open, as well as winning 29 Grand Slam women’s and mixed doubles titles. This feat was all the more impressive due to the serious knee infection she suffered as a child.
The introduction of an 80-and-over women’s team cup reflects the consistent number of entries in the 80-and-over individual events at recent ITF world championships. Overall the number of player s competing on the ITF Seniors Circuit has increased by a third over the last five years.
Luca Santilli, ITF Head of Juniors and Seniors Tennis, said: “This new competition allows us to offer the same number of cups for men and women at our seniors world championships. We hope it will be welcome news to seniors players worldwide and look forward to staging the inaugural event in Turkey.”
Below is a photo of the Doris Hart Trophy, and a photo from the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Here is a link to more information about Doris Hart.
