The semis were played in all divisions today in singles, doubles and mixed, which made for a long day for a few players here, including Tina Karwasky from the USA. She began by playing singles with Patricia Medrado. She is a former Brazilian  Fed Cup player who attained a career high ranking of 51. Karwasky also played for years on the WTA tour. I saw the beginning of the match which was of an extremely high quality. Tina was playing superbly; Medrado was playing a bit better and hitting a bit heavier. Medrado won 61 64. I played Wendy McColskey, who took out the #4 seed in straight sets; I beat Wendy 61 61 in over 90 minutes…we had some long games and long points, but I managed to win the big points. The singles finals are on Saturday. In doubles,Una Davis and I lost to Pat Medrado/Sherri Bronson 63 63, and they play Tina and Wendy in the final.

In the 55s,Susan Wright lost a heartbreaker to Leanne Swaysland, who she beat last week in the Connolly Cup. She won the first set in a tiebreak, lost the 2nd and was leading in the third when Leanne played “go for broke” tennis, serving big (and she’s a lefty!) and hitting heavy forehands which jump on this surface. Leanne won 64 in the third and plays her doubles partner, Ros Balodis in the final. Balodis took out a fit and determined Ingrid Resch to reach the final. However Wright and Vicki Buholz have a chance to avenge that loss tomorrow in the doubles final.

In the 50s, it’s Lisa Prechtel and Marie Christine Calleja in the final. Calleja took out Olga Shapnoshinkova in the semis while Lisa beat Petra Dobusch. Both semis went the distance.

In men’s play, Ross Persons of USA lost to Paul French in three sets. French will play Glenn Busby in the 60s men’s final. Alex Behar and Alex Pier fell in the semis of the 60 doubles.

Mike Tammen retired down 51 in the semis of the men’s 55 singles (pulled hamstring according to Vesna) but was able to successfully team with Mike Fedderly to reach the doubles final.

Mitch Perkins and Ken White lost in the semis of the men’s 50 doubles.

Ross Persons and Tina Karwasky are in the 60 mixed final against a So African pair who took out Sherri and Peter Bronson.

For all results and draws click here: http://www.itftennis.com/seniors/tournaments/tournament/info.aspx?tournamentid=1100035781