Keller, Saunders Cause Upsets in 50 Singles

On the second day of play at the National Hard Courts at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club (lbjtc.com), there were some close escapes by seeded players but only two upsets, both in the 50 singles. Michele Saunders took out Anna Zimmermann, a 5-8 seed, 61 64 to advance to the quarters. Jenny Rens Keller, a La Jolla dentist and Beach Club member, played before a packed crowd on Court 8 against Ellie Hammargren. Keller, better known for her doubles prowess, proved equally adept at singles, taking out the #5 seed 46 62 64 in a grinding battle that lasted well over three hours. Hammargren had bloodied knees by the end….and a doubles match to play (which she and her partner Jennifer Lyons won handily).

All seeds in the 60s advanced in straight sets, though Sherri Bronson had to work hard in the second set against Cindy Abel…she won 61 76.

Betty Wachob, third seeded in the 70s, narrowly avoided an upset, edging Carolann Castell 61 57 76 to advance to the semis.

Most impressive was the stamina of the top 90s players, Jane Lutz and Rita Price. Lutz is new to the age division and Price is the defending champion, and they are doubles partners. They battled each other for three sets before Lutz prevailed 61 26 75 in what may have been the defacto final of the round robin draw. They then teamed up to win their doubles match. All this tennis didn’t seem to slow down Price a bit as she was walking a talking a mile a minute after her matches!

There was only one doubles upset: Andi Polisky/Leslie Zauher upset Cathie Anderson/Mary Alice Pisani, the 4th seeds, 62 62.

Tomorrow is quarterfinal day in all divisions and there should be a ton of good singles and doubles matches.

Court 1 matches are streamed here: https://www.ipcamlive.com/ljbtc
Results can be found here: https://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=205807#&&s=7Draws21
Photos are here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xE8s7qfPu3d6au33A
Fans can tune-in to RadioTennis.com on Friday, May 11 at 9 a.m. to listen to live audio play-by-play of the day’s matches on Court No. 1. Tennis broadcaster Ken Thomas will provide the live web cast commentary at https://radiotennis.com/.

My doubles partner, Robin Harris and I won 61 60 today and play a 5-8 seed, Burgess/Drosner, tomorrow at 3pm. Most players seem to have gone to the barbecue on the beach this evening…burgers (meat and veggie), hot dogs, salads and deserts were on the menu…it was all very good and the setting was perfect.