• Tag Archives Tennis

  • FAQ: 2021 Tournament Changes

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Click here to read the FAQ on USTA.com. The text is below.

    RANKINGS

    Q. Are ranking points awarded for voluntary consolations?

    Yes, ranking points per win will be awarded for voluntary consolation as well as round-robin formats.

    Q. How will round robin points fit in the points table?

    Round robins will have points per win table based on the tournament level played.

    Q. Should we mandate Cat 1 to use the best of three set formats unless unforeseen events, such as weather delays the progression of the event? The other formats would then be optional for TD’s to implement if needed to keep the event on the schedule.

    The Adult Comp Committee is working on a proposal for a consistent scoring format for all Level 1 tournaments. Once the proposal is approved, we will have another TD webinar to discuss the new changes.

    Q. Is ranking based on age and NTRP?

    Yes, the ranking will be based on age group and NTRP levels. For example, if I am a player that plays 18+ 3.0 women’s singles events, I will show up on 18+ 3.0 women’s singles rankings.

    Q. Will the ranking points for any level will be awarded “the same” for any of the scoring options a director uses?

    Yes, as long as the scoring format falls in the list of scoring formats available, that will not impact the points awarded.

    PLAY FORMATS

    Q. Will consolation allow only one match; not a complete draw? And if consolation requires a draw, won’t this discourage clubs from holding tournaments due to court time needs, especially indoors?

    Although we strongly encourage tournament directors to finish the consolation draws, we understand that some unforeseen circumstances may arise. For this reason, it is ok if consolation draws are not fully completed.

    Q. Are fast four formats still available?

    Yes, a short set format will be available across all levels.

    Q. Will there be 2 out of 3 sets in any tournaments?

    There will be 2 of 3 sets in various levels of tournaments. However, for the L6 & L&7 tournaments that option will not be available.

    Q. How are Open tournaments affected?

    Open tournaments will not be affected. If anything, open tournament players will have the opportunity to generate a national ranking based on their performance.

    Q. Is there a chart showing the “Maximum # of Rounds per day” that can be played and Rest Periods in the various scoring systems?

    Yes, you will be able to find this at Friend at Court. Please click on the following link: Friend at court

    NTRP TOURNAMENTS LEVELS

    Q. Will there be regulations concerning NTRP tournament players “playing up”, similar to the Leagues to allow for more accurate ratings?

    Yes, we will continue to align as much as possible with the League program for NTRP sanctioned tournaments, and follow their rules as it relates to playing down and up, appeals, self-rate process.

    Q. Will the National NTRP Championships in 2022 reflect the 18s, 40s and 55s categories of NTRP ranked tournaments in 2021?

    Yes, in 2022 the NTRP divisions for NTRP Nationals will reflect 18s, 40s, 55s divisions.

    Q. Will NTRP Tournaments have Open Divisions?

    No, we will not have NTRP Open divisions for now. We are looking at expanding the NTRP tournament product, but we need to do so in phases.

    Q. Will suspension also include league play?

    The league program does not follow the same suspension point system, as other programs do. For now, it does not count towards the leagues program. 


    📂This entry was posted in USTA Tournament and Ranking News 📎and tagged

  • Angela Buxton, Althea Gibson’s Doubles Partner, Dies at 85

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Angela Buxton and Althea Gibson won Wimbledon doubles in 1956. Both faced discrimination, Gibson because she was Black and Buxton because of Anti-Semitism.

    “The International Tennis Federation announced the death of Buxton on Monday, describing her as ‘an early pioneer of equal rights.'” (From ESPN).

    Read more here.

    Here’s an article about the friendship between Angela Buxton and Althea Gibson: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2019/06/20/angela-buxton-althea-gibsons-friendship-no-ordinary-bond-outsider/

    Buxton, who was Jewish, and Gibson became friends in tennis: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/althea-gibson-former-tennis-pro-angela-buxton-remembers-althea-gibson-decades-after-they-made-history/

    Angela Buxton, left, won two Grand Slams doubles titles with Althea Gibson, including Wimbledon in 1956. AP Photo/File, from ESPN.com

    📂This entry was posted in Angela Buxton Tennis 📎and tagged

  • ITF Seniors Tournaments to Resume August 31st: Grade 2, 3, 4 ONLY to Resume; Rankings Changes through 2021

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    The ITF has announced a resumption of play for the ITF Seniors Circuits of August 31, 2020.

    Grade 2, 3, and 4 tournaments only shall resume in 2020; Regional, Grade A and Grade 1 tournaments can apply to take place as Grade 2 tournaments if the ITF approves the change.

    Rankings:

    Best 4 tournaments from the period of March 18, 2019-March 14 2021 will be used.

    Starting March 15, 2021, results from 2019 or 2020 will start to drop, replaced by their 2021 points. This is subject to change if the pandemic continues to restrict travel or for other reasons determined by the ITF.

    Through at least December 31, 2020, players can only add to their point total, they cannot have their frozen point total reduced.

    The ITF plans to return to the 52 week ranking period in December 2021.

    Read below for exact details. This is subject to change if ongoing travel restrictions and lack of tournaments warrants it.

    NOTE: All tournaments must adhere to the new ITF Covid-19 protocols which can be found here: https://www.itftennis.com/en/news-and-media/articles/itf-outlines-initial-plans-for-resumption-of-play-on-junior-senior-wheelchair-tennis-and-beach-tennis-tours/ (Links found within article).


  • ITF Cancels 2020 Young Seniors & 2020 Super Seniors World Championships

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols 2 Comments

    Click here for more information.

    From the ITF Website: “(updated 14 July). Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ITF Seniors (50-55-60 years), the ITF Young Seniors (35-40-45 years) and the ITF Super-Seniors (65-70-75-80-85 years) World Team & Individual Championships will not be held in 2020.”

    These events will be held at the same locations in 2021 as they were scheduled to be played in 2020.

    The dates for the Seniors World Team Championships are confirmed to be April 25-May 8 2021 in Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

    I hope everyone is staying healthy and playing tennis near home. Hope to see you next year!


    📂This entry was posted in Covid-19 (coronavirus) Seniors World Championships Super Seniors World Championships Tennis Young Seniors World Championships 📎and tagged

  • USTA Cancels National Tournaments Through August 31st: July 14th Statement

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Read the full USTA statement here: https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/national/usta-statement-on-suspension-of-events.html

    I have included below excerpts related to SENIOR tennis only:

    USTA Statement on Event Cancellations – July 14, 2020

    Due to the situation surrounding COVID-19, the USTA has canceled a number of National level events scheduled to be held in August. The decision to cancel was made with guidance from the USTA Medical Advisory Group, to ensure the health and safety of all those involved with these tournaments. As these events were larger in scale and size, there was an inherent risk associated with hosting large numbers of individuals at one site, at one time, and would make risk mitigation difficult. Without a controlled environment that includes a comprehensive and contained lodging, transportation, food and beverage, and medical testing program in place, proper risk mitigation would not be possible—and in the case of these events, this type of environment would logistically and financially be incredibly difficult to create. In addition, as these are National level events, many of those competing would have to travel interstate, bringing into play different regulations, restrictions and quarantine periods, dependent upon the localities involved, both at the site of the event and in the participants’ home states. The uncertainty surrounding the number of COVID-19 cases in the states of the host sites was also considered.

    The safety of the actual tennis being played was not a concern of the USTA Medical Advisory Group, and did not factor into the decision to cancel the events. The USTA has previously issued a set of recommendations as to how tennis can be played in a safe manner, which can be found HERE for players and HERE for facilities.

     

    The following events have been canceled:

    (Juniors and ITF Tour events which are now cancelled can be found in the full statement here and include the National Girls and Boys 18 Nationals: https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/national/usta-statement-on-suspension-of-events.html

    Adults

    • Men’s 65 USTA National Indoor Championships

    o Aug. 10-15 – LifeTime Eden Prairie Athletic (Eden Prairie, Minn.)

    • Men’s and Women’s Open USTA National Grass Court Championships

    o Aug. 10-16 – International Tennis Hall of Fame (Newport, R.I.)

    • Men’s 75 & 80 and Mother/Son USTA National Grass Court Championships

    o Aug. 13-16 – Agawam Hunt Country Club (Rumford, R.I.)


    📂This entry was posted in Covid-19 (coronavirus) Tennis Tournament Cancellation USTA USTA 2020 Tournament Schedule USTA Tournament and Ranking News 📎and tagged

  • USTA Adult Tournament Changes For 2021

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Read more here.

    FAQ

    Top Things to Know

    According to the USTA:

    • The new structure will utilize seven levels of events, ranging from Level 7 (Local) to Level 1 (National Championships) and a universal ranking system that will distribute points consistently across the country.
    • This nationwide system will provide consistent tournament levels and standardized tournament operations for all events—regardless of location—replacing a current system that is greatly dependent upon the region.
    • The new system will allow players to more easily compete across sections, as the levels will be standardized with an increased number of local events, providing even more playing opportunities for players.

    Further Information (click here to see unedited version):

    1. ONE nationwide structure of tournaments.* The 17 sectional structures and one national structure will be replaced with ONE nationwide structure of Adult Tournaments. The structure will consist of seven levels of ranking tournaments, with the lowest level of tournament ranking points classified as a Level 7 and USTA National Championships classified as Level 1.

    *Note that Level 1 will be the gold ball events; Level 2 will replace Super Category II; Level 3 will replace Category 2; Category 3 will go away. New Points per Round (PPR) tables will be published.

    2. ONE nationwide points-per-round ranking system. The 17 sectional ranking systems and one national ranking system will be replaced with ONE nationwide ranking system for the Level 1-7 ranking tournaments. One set of nationwide ranking tables will determine the points earned in all ranked tournaments.

    3. ONE standings list. At least monthly, the USTA will continue to publish National Standings Lists (NSLs), using the same best of 6 singles and best-of-six doubles* results system. These lists will be filtered by section or district when they are used for selection into closed tournaments and team competitions.

     *Emphasis added: Note that rankings and standings will now be best of 6, not best of 4 results.

    4. EVERYTHING [USTA Sanctioned] counts. While sections will hold two Closed Level 4s and two Closed Level 5s, all other tournaments sanctioned by the sections will be open to all players and all results will count in the ranking system. This also permits sections to hold Open Level 4s. This means that, for example, if you are vacationing out of section and play a tournament, it will count. It also allows players who live near section borders to play across section lines and have their results count.

    5. NEW [NTRP] ranking events. For the first time, the ranking system will be able to count results for NTRP tournaments. This will allow players that are currently playing NTRP tournaments to have a ranking based on their points earned at NTRP tournaments with ranked divisions.

    6. UNIFIED residency requirements. Sections will all have the same residency requirements, and residency will determine eligibility to play in closed tournaments and represent a section or district in team competition. A player may be a resident of only one section (and if applicable, one district). Residency will be based on where a player resides, except that a player may change their residency one time per calendar year so long as it is based on:

    • The address of the player’s legal guardian
  • (Emphasis added)

    • 7. EVERY section is slightly different—in size, geography, population, climate—and the new regulations allow for sections to make decisions that best meet the needs of their adult players. Examples of what sections will be deciding include:

    • Draw sizes of their tournaments;
    • Numbers of tournaments at each level;
    • When the tournaments take place on the calendar; and
    • The draw and match formats.

    8. IT all starts in 2021. All of the changes will take effect in January 2021. In the coming months, be on the lookout for webinars and other educational materials that will take a deeper dive into the details of the new structure.

    FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)


  • USTA posts List of Super Senior International Team Applicants

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Here is the link to the list of players who applied for the USTA Super Senior teams. The event is scheduled for Oct 11-16 in Mallorca, Spain. So far this event is still on the ITF schedule. Team announcements will be made on July 30th.

    For more information go to the USTA Senior International page.


    📂This entry was posted in 2020 Super Seniors, Mallorca ITF NEWS ITF World Team Championships Mallorca Tennis Travel USTA USTA Super Senior International Teams 📎and tagged

  • USTA National Senior Women’s Clay Courts (35/45/55/65/75/85/90) Cancelled for 2020; Will Resume in 2021

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Sue Bramlette, the tournament director for the National Senior Women’s Clay Court Championships (NSWCCC) in Houston, Texas, after consulting with the COO of the Houston Racquet Club (HRC) and the membership director of the HRC has concluded that the HRC will not be able to host the NSWCCC in 2020.

    There were a number of issues related to the Covid-19 pandemic that would or could impact the hosting of the tournament this year.

    The HRC plans to host the tournament in 2021.


    📂This entry was posted in Category I Nationals Covid-19 (coronavirus) Tennis Tournament Cancellation 📎and tagged

  • USTA Update May 26: No National Play before August 1; Sections Can Resume Play if Local Conditions Allow

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment
    To read more and for future updates click here.
    Note that several sections, including NorCal, SoCal and Florida have suspended USTA play till July 1st.

    USTA Statement on Suspension of Events

    May 26, 2020
    20200406_Tennis-Suspension-2_A

    Update on Suspension of Play and Event Changes – May 26, 2020

     

    The USTA recognizes that the coronavirus has been affecting different parts of the country in different ways and with different timing. Because of that, it will be possible for people to return to playing tennis safely in some cities and states sooner than in others.

    At present, stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders have been lifted or modified in some communities, and some are phasing tennis back in as a safe, or in certain cases, an “essential,” activity.

    Beginning June 1, the suspension of USTA Sanctioned products and events noted below will now be at the discretion of the USTA Sections and local health authorities. These USTA Sanctioned products and events include:

     

    • Adult and Junior Tournaments

    • USTA League

    • USTA Junior Team Tennis

    • USTA Social Leagues

    • Team Challenge

    • Team Tournaments

    • USTA School Programs

    • Tennis on Campus

    • Wheelchair Tennis

     (Emphasis added)

    The safety and well-being of all players and event personnel remains the first and foremost consideration of the USTA. All players should check their USTA Section homepage to determine when these USTA Sanctioned products and events will resume and under what conditions. In all cases, the USTA highly recommends that all players and facilities adhere to the “Playing Tennis Safely” guidelines, as well as all local health and safety regulations when returning to play.

     

    Please note the additional national suspensions below that are still in effect across the country: 

     

    All Category 1 and Super Category 2 National Adult Tournaments with an ITF status, all ITF Junior events, all Adults Category 2 and Category 3 tournaments, all Wheelchair L1 – L3 events, and all USTA Pro Circuit events will align with the same calendar as the ITF and be suspended through July 31. The ATP has also suspended events through July 31, while the WTA has suspended select events in July. In addition, the USTA has made the decision, separately, to cancel the 2020 National Clay Court Championships scheduled for July 11-19, and which would have taken place in seven cities across three states.

     

    “The impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the tennis landscape, and it is our goal to ensure that the sport is able to be played in a safe and healthy fashion at the parks and facilities throughout the country once the pandemic subsides,” said Patrick Galbraith, Chairman of the Board and President, USTA. “One of the greatest aspects of this game is that it fosters a true community, and we look forward to the time when we can return to our local courts and use tennis to unite us all, once again.”  

     

    The determination has also been made to suspend the calculation and publication of the National Standings List (NSL) for Adult, Junior and Wheelchair play until further notice. The NSL published on March 18 will serve as the most current until tournament competition resumes.

     

    In addition, to ensure that play taking place at local facilities will be the focus once the pandemic subsides, the following events will be canceled for 2020: 
     

    • USTA League National Championships

    • USTA Junior Team Tennis National Championships

    • USTA Junior Intersectional Team Championships
    • USTA Zone Team Championships

    • USTA National Team Championships
     

    For more information on the cancellation of the USTA League National Championships and USTA Junior Team Tennis National Championships, please visit the FAQ.

     

    The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., is currently closed to the public. The facility’s Indoor Tennis Center was converted to a temporary hospital for COVID-19 patients, while Louis Armstrong Stadium was utilized as a commissary to facilitate the creation of meal packages that were distributed to patients, workers and New York City school children. 

     

    The USTA National Campus, in the Lake Nona area of Orlando, Fla., will remain closed for play and instructional opportunities through June 7.

     

    Any patron who wishes to cancel participation in a scheduled activity should contact the specific location for refund information. These policies will be in effect pending additional guidance or directives from each local governmental agency and the CDC. The USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about all activities at these facilities.

     

    * The USTA Medical Advisory Committee includes: Dr. Brian Hainline, Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA and USTA Board Member; Dr. Brian Daniels, MD, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Fla., and Medical Director, US Open; Dr. Mark Kovacs, Senior Director of Sports Science and Health, Cleveland Cavaliers; Dr. Bernard Camins, Medical Director for Infection Prevention at Mt. Sinai; Mike Rodriguez, USTA Senior Director and US Open


    📂This entry was posted in Covid-19 (coronavirus) Tennis USTA 📎and tagged

  • ITF extends suspension of international tournaments through July 31 | ITF

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    This includes all senior tournaments.

    The International Tennis Federation has extended the suspension of all ITF tournaments through to July 31 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
    — Read on www.itftennis.com/en/news-and-media/articles/itf-extends-suspension-of-international-tournaments-through-july-31/


    📂This entry was posted in Covid-19 (coronavirus) ITF ITF Tournaments Tennis 📎and tagged

  • Recent Category I Champions

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Husband/Wife Grass: 100: Kathy/Paul Settles; 120: Mai Ichikawa Abel/Brent Abel; 140: Dean Corley/Randi Reznik

    50/60/70/75/80 Hard Mixed: 50: Pat Crow/Tracie Currie; 60: Jonathan Fears/Shannon Carney; 70: Kathy Bennett/Jimmy Parker; 75: Suella Steel/Dean Corley; 80: Wilbur Jones/Roz King

    40 Hard Court/Father/Son/GF/GS: M40S: Francisco Clavet; M40D: Ross Duncan/Simon Chen; W40S: Hiromi Sasano; W40D: Debbie Spence Nasim/Tracie Currie; Mxd: Spence Nasim/Duncan; F/S: Bruce & Bruce Man Son Hing; GF/GS: Ethan Smith/James Stelson

    Men’s 60/75 Grass:  60S: Mark Vines; 60D: Mike Fedderly/Mike Tammen; 75S/D: Jimmy Parker (with Ken Robinson)

    Husband Wife Indoors: Open: Kathy/Trung Nguyen; 100: Kathy/Paul Settles; 120: Peggy Kirkeeng/Michael Sperling; 140: Dean Corley/Randi Resnik

    30 Clay: WS: Charlotte Sikora; WD: Katrina Barnes/Marissa Chapin; MS: Christian Guevara; MD: Kriegler Brink/Cameron Nash; Mxd: Guevara/Abika Sperl:

    Father/Son Clay: Sr: Brett/Jerry Morse Karzen; SSr: Scott/P Estes; 80+: Alan/Robert Croll

    Men’s 35 Clay: S: Rodrigo Pacheco; D: Darrin Cohen/Ryan Sablan

    W90Grass: S/D: Rita Price (with Jane Lutz)

    M/S, F/D Clay: FD Open: David/Karly Friedman; SrFD: Steve/Jordan Vaughn; SSr FD: Julia/Richard Cohen; 80+ FD: Sheldon/Chance Fechtor; M/S: Caryn/Jordan Krasner; Sr M/S: Kyle/Anni Collette

    Women’s 35-85 Hard: 35S:Laura Graff; 35D: Jennifer Lyons/Julie Shapiro; 45S/D: Dina McBride (with Debbie Nasim); 55S: Fran Chandler; 55D: Rainy Miller/Shelly Works; 65S: Tina Karwasky; 65D: Andrea Barnes/Kandy Chain; 75S/D: Carolann Castell (with Heather Fiscalini); 85S/D: Margaret Canby (with Rose Austin)

    Men’s 75/80 Clay: 75S/D: Jimmy Parker (with Ken Robinson); 80S: Lester Sack; 80D: Wilbur Jones/William Woflf

    Men’s 60/65 Clay: 60S: Dan Waldman; 60D: Mike Fedderly/Mike Tammen; 65S:Fred Robinson; 65D: Stanley Mescon/Alan Turner

    40-70 Mixed Clay: 40: Ben Cook/Liz Kotz; 50: Garth Thomson/Laurie Yarbrough; 60: Shannon Carney/Jon Fears; 70: Ann Bradley/Bernie McGuire

    M/D Clay: open: Michelle/Caitlyn Williams; Senior: Sheila/Nicole Chiricosta; SSr: Brenda Humpheys/Shelly Stillman Scott

    Men’s 55 Clay: Erik Luxembourg; D: Scott Works/Willie Alumbaugh

    Men’s 50 Clay: S: Oren Motevassel; D: Johan Hoegstedt/Fredrik Skoglund


    📂This entry was posted in Category I Champions Category I Nationals Tennis 📎and tagged

  • ITF Postpones 2020 Seniors World Championships to 2021; (Young Seniors & Super Seniors Remain on Calendar for Now)

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    23 April 2020


    ITF Statement regarding ITF Seniors (50-55-60) World Team & Individual Championships


    In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ITF has suspended all Tours, including the ITF Seniors Tour until 13 July 2020, aligning with the ATP and WTA Tours respectively. This includes the postponement of the ITF Seniors (50-55-60 years) World Team & Individual Championships which had been scheduled to take place In Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens, USA from 26 April to 9 May 2020.


    The ITF has been working with the host organiser, venues, event partners and independent travel advisors in recent weeks to identify a safe and viable date to reschedule the event in 2020. Protecting the health and well-being of players, officials, guests, club members and local communities has remained the priority.


    Due to the ongoing global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has not been possible to achieve the criteria set for the event to be rescheduled in 2020, and as such the ITF Seniors (50-55-60 years) World Team & Individual Championships will not be held in 2020.


    The 2021 ITF Seniors (50-55-60 years) World Team & Individual Championships will therefore take place in Boca Raton & Palm Beach Gardens, with the precise dates to be announced in due course.
    The ITF will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation alongside tournament hosts and partners, with the aim of resuming ITF tournaments as soon as it is safe to do so.


    The ITF Young Seniors (35-40-45 years) World Championships scheduled for 13-26 September 2020 in Umag, Croatia and the ITF Super-Seniors (65-70-75-80-85 years) World Championships scheduled for 11- 24 October 2020 in Mallorca, Spain both remain on the 2020 calendar.


    If you have any queries, please contact the ITF Seniors Department by email – seniors@itftennis.com

    The USTA has posted a link here regarding the postponement to 2021.


    📂This entry was posted in 2020 Seniors World Championships, Florida 2020 Seniors, Boca Raton, FL Covid-19 (coronavirus) ITF ITF Individual World Championships ITF NEWS ITF World Team Championships Palm Beach Gardens, FL Seniors World Championships Tennis USTA USTA Senior International Teams 📎and tagged

  • USTA Suspends Play Through May 31; ITF Suspends Play Through July 31st

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols 1 Comment

    For future USTA updates click here.

    The publication of the National Standings list has been suspended along with tournament, league and other USTA programs until at least June 1st, 2020.

    The entirety of the April 13th post from USTA.com is posted below.

    Update on Suspension of Play and Event Changes – April 13, 2020

    Due to the continued situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus, and after discussions with the USTA Medical Advisory Committee*, effective immediately the USTA will extend the suspension of USTA sanctioned products and events through May 31. This includes:\

    • Adult and Junior Tournaments

    • USTA League

    • USTA Junior Team Tennis

    • USTA Social Leagues

    • Team Challenge

    • Team Tournaments

    • USTA Schools programs

    • Tennis on Campus

    • Wheelchair events

    Additionally, recognizing the evolving and fast-changing nature of this situation, the USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about events and activities taking place after May 31.

    All Category 1 and Super Category 2 National Adult Tournaments with an ITF status, all ITF Junior events, all Junior, Adult and Wheelchair L1 – L3 events, and all USTA Pro Circuit and professional events will align with the same calendar as the ITF, ATP and WTA, and be suspended through July 12. The National Clay Court Championships, slated to begin on July 11, will proceed as scheduled, at this time.

    “The impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the tennis landscape, and it is our goal to ensure that the sport is able to be played in a safe and healthy fashion at the parks and facilities throughout the country once the pandemic subsides,” said Patrick Galbraith, Chairman of the Board and President, USTA. “One of the greatest aspects of this game is that it fosters a true community, and we look forward to the time when we can return to our local courts and use tennis to unite us all, once again.”  

    The determination has also been made to suspend the calculation and publication of the National Standings List (NSL) for Adult, Junior and Wheelchair play until further notice. The NSL published on March 18 will serve as the most current until tournament competition resumes.

    In addition, to ensure that play taking place at local facilities will be the focus once the pandemic subsides, the following events will be canceled for 2020: 
     

    • USTA League National Championships

    • USTA Junior Team Tennis National Championships

    • USTA Junior Intersectional Team Championships

    For more information on the cancellation of the USTA League National Championships and USTA Junior Team Tennis National Championships, please visit the FAQ.

    The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., is currently closed to the public. The facility’s Indoor Tennis Center has been converted to a temporary hospital for COVID-19 patients, while Louis Armstrong Stadium is being utilized as a commissary to facilitate the creation of meal packages that are being distributed to patients, workers and New York City school children.

     

    The USTA National Campus, in the Lake Nona area of Orlando, Fla., will remain closed for play and instructional opportunities through May 31.

     

    Any patron who wishes to cancel participation in a scheduled activity should contact the specific location for refund information. These policies will be in effect pending additional guidance or directives from each local governmental agency and the CDC. The USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about all activities at these facilities.

     

    * The USTA Medical Advisory Committee includes: Dr. Brian Hainline, Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA and USTA Board Member; Dr. Brian Daniels, MD, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Fla., and Medical Director, US Open; Dr. Mark Kovacs, Senior Director of Sports Science and Health, Cleveland Cavaliers; Dr. Bernard Camins, Medical Director for Infection Prevention at Mt. Sinai; Mike Rodriguez, USTA Senior Director and US Open Security.
     


    📂This entry was posted in Covid-19 (coronavirus) USTA 📎and tagged

  • Trish Faulkner, BallenIsles Country Club, Retirement Ceremony

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Trish Faulkner has been a part of the BallenIsles Country Club since its inception 25 years ago. Today marked the end of a remarkable run as the tennis director for the septuagenarian.

    The BallenIsles Country Club was going to give her a big send off but the Coronavirus interfered, so instead here is a You Tube link to her retirement ceremony which included a listing of some of her accomplishments (6 time Wimbledon participant for one along with being a Master USPTA professional).

    Trish will remain a part of the Palm Beach Gardens community and is looking to spending more time with their two children and three grandchildren.

    Here is a link to the video and a few photos from it.


    📂This entry was posted in Trish Faulkner 📎and tagged

  • Knee Meniscus Rehabilitation with Erin Boynton & Eric Wong (Coach E) & Precision Movement (Avoid the Knife Series)

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Erin Boynton, you may know is a terrific tennis player, top ranked Canadian in her age division and getting better every year). She’s also an orthopedic surgeon who has worked with the WTA at the Rogers Cup tournament in Toronto, the Blue Jays baseball team and more. She’s a friend (and occasionally a foe on the court!) of mine. I have always found her advice to be helpful and reassuring. This is not a paid post.

    Dr. Boynton and Eric Wong have combined to create a knee rehabilitation program which senior tennis players (among others) could find useful in lieu of surgery or when rehabbing from surgery.

    To read more about this program, click here.

    AVOID THE KNIFE: Meniscus Program

    The AVOID THE KNIFE Meniscus Program is specifically designed for those with a recent or past meniscus tear who:

    • Are looking to avoid surgery
    • Require surgery and want to optimize their outcome
    • Have had surgery and want to ensure return to full function

    Please note that although I am an advocate of the work of Dr. Boynton and Coach E (this is not a paid post) I have no medical background. Please consult your medical team before beginning any new exercise program.


    📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged

  • USTA Extends Suspension of USTA Sanctioned Tennis Events

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    April 1, 2020

    USTA has suspended ITF sanctioned Senior events till July 13, 2020.

    USTA has suspended tournaments and programs including leagues which are not ITF sanctioned till June 1.

    The full statement from USTA.com is below:

    Updated Statement – March 23, 2020: 

    Due to the continued situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus, and after discussions with the USTA Medical Advisory Committee, effective immediately the USTA will extend the suspension of USTA sanctioned products and events, including Adult and Junior Tournaments, USTA League, Junior Team Tennis, Team Challenge, Team Tournaments, USTA Schools programs, Tennis on Campus and Wheelchair events, through May 3.

    Additionally, recognizing the evolving and fast-changing nature of this situation, the USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about events and activities taking place after May 3.

    All Category 1 and Super Category 2 National Adult Tournaments with an ITF status, all ITF Junior events and all USTA Pro Circuit and professional events will align with the same calendar as the ITF, ATP and WTA, and be suspended through June 7.

    Both the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., and the USTA National Campus, in the Lake Nona area of Orlando, Fla., will remain closed for play and instructional opportunities through May 3. Any patron who wishes to cancel participation in a scheduled activity should contact the specific location for refund information. These policies will be in effect pending additional guidance or directives from each local governmental agency and the CDC. The USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about all activities at these facilities.


    📂This entry was posted in Category I Nationals Category II Tournaments Category II USTA Tournaments International Tennis News ITF ITF NEWS Tennis USTA 📎and tagged

  • 2020 ITF Seniors (50-55-60) World Team & Individual Championships are Postponed to 2021

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    From the ITF website: https://www.itftennis.com/en/news-and-media/articles/2020-itf-seniors-world-championships-dates-locations-information/

    2020 ITF Seniors (50-55-60) World Team & Individual Championships

    *POSTPONED*

    Updated April 23, 2020: Postponed till 2021, dates TBA

    Location

    Team Championships: Boca Raton, Florida, USA

    Individual Championships: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA

    Dates

    As of 17 March 2020, the ITF Seniors (50-55-60) World Team & Individual Championships is postponed as a precautionary measure linked to the potential impact of the COVID-19 virus on the event.

    Every effort will be made by the host organisers, USTA and ITF to reschedule the event for a later date in 2020 provided a safe, viable date can be identified. Further updates relating to this will follow in due course.

    Venues 

    Team Championships: Boca Raton, Florida, USA

    Individual Championships: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA

    Fact Sheet

    The fact sheet for both the Team & Individual Championships are available below should they be helpful to you in contacting hotels in the City. They will remain until the end of March for this purpose.


    📂This entry was posted in 2020 Seniors World Championships, Florida 2020 Seniors, Boca Raton, FL ITF Individual World Championships ITF NEWS ITF World Team Championships 📎and tagged

  • Bermuda Breeze Tournament: Now a Super Cat II & ITF Grade 1: March 30-April 5, 2020

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Due to Coronavirus this tournament is postponed, new dates TBA

    The popular Bermuda Breeze tournament is back as an ITF Grade 1 in 2020!

    To enter or go to the tournament website click here.


    To further inquire about the tournament, please contact the following individuals:

    General inquiries, Draws, Start dates, player benefits, etc.
    Patrick Singleton- patricksingleton@coralbeach.bm


    Accommodation, Coral Beach Club amenities, things to do in Bermuda, Transportation
    Kelly Stockley- kellystockley@coralbeach.bm


    Finding a doubles partner, warm up hits, lessons, Player Parties, tennis clinics for players
    Neal Towlson- nealtowlson@coralbeach.bm

    • Location: Coral Beach & Tennis Club
    • Surface: Clay
    • Deadline to enter: March 15, 2020


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  • Fort Lauderdale (Jabour) ITF Grade 1/USTA Super Cat II Women’s Tennis: Day 1

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols 3 Comments

    Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

    In 2020 the USTA scheduled the Palm Beach Gardens (for even age divisions) and Fort Lauderdale (for odd age divisions) back to back. The Fort Lauderdale tournament began today at the Lauderdale Tennis Club, an old fashioned, tennis-centric club surrounded by condominium buildings named for historic tennis players (Lenglen, Tildon etc.).

    This week I’m playing my first 65s tournament. Last year I played the 55s, so I keep looking for my name in the 55s…it’s not there this year, though Shelly Works, the woman I played in the final is the second seed again this year. (Jenny Klitch is the top seed.)

    I played Miriam Morey from North Carolina. She’s a professor at Duke in NC ( From the Duke website: “The general focus of Dr. Morey’s work is exercise and aging. All of her research examines how physical activity, exercise training, or physical fitness influence”). Miram plays at the same club where Wendy McColskey, the #2 seed here is a member. She’s a quick counterpuncher, and after adjusting to the wind we had some good rallies but I came out ahead. I play Helga Immerfall next in the quarters.

    There were no close matches in the 65s and all the seeds won. The seeds in other singles divisions had byes and in doubles, the seeds are playing tomorrow for the most part.

    The 85s draw, though only 6 players, is quite strong with Burnett Herrick, Judy Smith, Lucille Kyvallos, Margaret Canby, Esther Williams and Laurie Leach all playing. Smith beat Canby and Williams beat Leach today. All are enthusiastic about the thought of the ITF holding the Women’s 85 Cup in Mallorca this fall.

    Draws can be found here: https://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=245910#&&s=7Draws13


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  • Palm Beach Gardens Grandes Dames ITF Grade 1/USTA Super Cat II Saturday, Day 5

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

    Jenny Klitch went three for three in Palm Beach Gardens, winning the 50 singles & doubles (with Lisa Bonder-Kerkorian) on Friday and adding the 40 doubles title (with Andi Pliski) on Saturday, beating the impending rain. The 40s final was a three-setter with the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center pro Tara Pressley and Julie Axlerod giving the defending champions a strong challenge, taking the second set 62 before Klitch/Pliski won the third 62. There were a lot of spectators cheering despite the overcast skies.

    Susanne Clark, unseeded, won the 80 singles without dropping a set, beating her doubles partner, Grace Woo in the final. Clark/Woo finished second in doubles, beating the #2 seeds, Carol Wood/Burnett Herrick in two tight sets. The top seeds, Inge Weber/Dorothy Wasser, won the 80 doubles title, winning all three matches in straight sets.

    Kathy Zanon/Ann Jacobs were tied at 2-2 in the third with top seeds Abbi Neuthaler/Kim Jones when the rain stopped the match under the Friday night lights. When they returned Saturday Jacobs/Zanon won the third set 63 and advanced to the final against #2 seeds Aimee Norris/Anne Frautschi. Frautschi/Norris came out of the gates strong, winning the first set 63, but Jacobs/Zanon played a nearly perfect final two sets winning 62 in the third to claim the 60 doubles title. Jones/Neuthaler finished third.

    Click here to see all photos

    Click here to see draws.


    📂This entry was posted in Category II USTA Tournaments ITF ITF Tournaments Palm Beach Gardens, FL Tennis USTA 📎and tagged

  • Palm Beach Gardens Super Cat II/ITF Grade I: Bonder-Kerkorian, Klitch, Nichols & Dixon Win Singles Crowns on Friday Day 4

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols 1 Comment

    Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

    Friday was a long and busy day at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center. Matches started early and were only halted after 7pm by a downpour.

    Singles:

    Lisa Bonder-Kerkorian started off the singles with a win in the 40 singles over Kristine Kraujina 61 62.

    Erin Boynton and I started at the same time; Bonder-Kerkorian finished their match about the same time we finished the first set! It was a very close match, with a lot of momentum changes. I won 64 63, but the finish was in doubt till the last point finished. Wendy McColskey beat Terri Thomson 61 64 to finish third.

    Jenny Klitch played after her doubles partner Bonder-Kerkorian on the same court and we just managed to finish before Klitch beat Julie Dybenthal 60 61. However Dybenthal was happy with her play and said she played much better than she had last time against Klitch. Laurie Capra beat Jill Sickle 61 61 to finish third.

    Judy Dixon edged Toni Novack 76 76 in a repeat of last year’s 70 clay court final. Toni said Judy played great. I watched a bit of that match and Judy moves really well and was able to get to many of Novack’s deadly drop shots. Brenda Carter received a default from Molly Hahn, so finished third.

    In the 80s, Susanne Clark beat Burnett Herrick and Grace Woo edged Carol Wood 76 in the third; the doubles partners face each other in the final today (weather permitting).

    The 30s is a round robin; however Elizabeth Kobak of NY has won the division winning all three of her matches including a 63 63 win over Bonder-Kerkorian.

    Doubles:

    The 30s had only two teams but Kristen Charlton/Grace Haggerty got their money’s worth in one match, winning 61 36 76 over Kobak/Jennifer Einhorn.

    The 40s final is today (weather permitting) and pits Klitch/Andi Piski agains Tara Pressley/Julie Axelrod.

    The 50s was won by Klitch/Bonder-Kerkorian over Boynton/Abbi Neuthaler 61 63. Karen Rembert /Alice Stubbs beat Daniella Esswein/Dybenthal in three sets to place third.

    The 60s semis have Aimee Norris/Anne Frautschi against the winner of the rain interrupted match between Neuthaler/Kim Jones and Anne Jacobs/Kathy Zanon which is tied at 22 in the third.

    Carter/Dixon won the 70s over Sue Kimball/Pam Simons (who upset #2 seeds Sue Bramlette/Hahn). Carol Clay/Ellen Goodman won the 3/4 playoff by default.

    Carter/Dixon; Weber/Wood; Simons/Kimball; Ellen Markowitz, Weber/Boynton, Clark/Woo

    Bottom: Trish Faulkner/Boynton/Nichols; Boynton/Bonder-Kerkorian

    Photos can be found here. (I will be adding action photos over the weekend to this album.)

    All tournament results can be found here.

    Palm Beach Gardens USTA Super Cat II/ITF Tournament

    Palm Beach Gardens ITF Grade 1/USTA Super Cat II, Day 2, Wednesday

    Palm Beach Gardens Grade 1/Super Cat II Thursday, Day 3


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  • Palm Beach Gardens Grade 1/Super Cat II Thursday, Day 3

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

    So in the 80s all the seeds are gone; Inge Weber (CAN) the top seed and reigning world champion fell in her first match to Susanne Clark of NY 63 64. Clark is new to the division, four years younger than Weber and an excellent player who has played on may USA Cup teams, so it wasn’t as big a surprise as it may seem. Carol Wood had her dropshots in full force against #2 seed Dorothy (I don’t like singles) Wasser today (but Dorothy can really move) and edged her in three sets. Wood plays Grace Woo (another age up) and Weber takes on Burnett Herrick (who edged Irma De Marco in two tight sets).

    In contrast to the 80s, the top two seeds have reached the final of the 70s. Toni Novack beat Brenda Carter while Judy Dixon beat Molly Hahn, by identical 62 62 scores.

    Another current world champion, Wendy McColskey, the #2 seed, fell in the 60s. However McColskey is the defending 65 world champion and lost to the top Canadian 60s player Erin Boynton 62 63in a well played match by both players. Boynton, a rangy 6 footer, served great, moved well and didn’t make many errors in victory. I beat #4 seeded Terri Thomson 60 62, so face Boynton tomorrow.

    In the 50s, the top seeds made it to the final; Jenny Klitch (1) beat Laurie Capra of TX 61 60 and Julie Dybenthal (2) beat Jill Sickle 2,3.

    The results for the 40s have the #2 seed Kristine Kraujina advancing to the final while the result for the other semi between top seeded Lisa Bonder-Kerkorkian and TereTennis Stowell (great name for a player) have yet to be posted.

    Doubles results aren’t posted yet but you can find all results listed here.

    Palm Beach Gardens USTA Super Cat II/ITF Tournament

    Palm Beach Gardens ITF Grade 1/USTA Super Cat II, Day 2, Wednesday


    📂This entry was posted in Category II USTA Tournaments ITF ITF Tournaments Palm Beach Gardens, FL Super Category II USTA Nationals Tennis USTA 📎and tagged

  • Palm Beach Gardens USTA Super Cat II/ITF Tournament

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols 1 Comment

    Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

    This week there is a strong tournament going on at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center for women 30-80 (even divisions only). The courts are great, though the new and improved clubhouse is under construction (so facilities are located in temporary trailers). Fortunately the weather is great and there are large tents where the players can relax or eat.

    I’m playing in the 60s, which has a very large (25) and strong field. Wendy McColskey, #1 in the world in W65 held off a determined attack from Aimee Norris, winning in three sets, though you’d never know by watching that she was threatened, she’s very calm. Also in the 60s, only one of the 5-8 seeds (Suzanne Siegler) survived. The others fell as follows: 1: Grace Haggerty of Vero Beach took out Kathy Foulk, 62 62 and followed it up later in the day with a victory over Cori Reese by the same score; 2: Terri Thyssen of TX took out Janet Mosely, in straight sets; 3: Mary Colonna, MI, also beat Tami Bass, VT in a long three setter.

    In the 50s, Jill Sickle of Chicago and Palm Beach Gardens upset #4 seed Andrea Wohlschlaeger. Julie Dybenthal of Tallahassee escaped in three sets against Andrea Hines but won the third set 61.

    The third seed in the women’s 70s, Brenda Winstead of VA had to withdraw with an injury but the remaining three seeds advanced including Brenda Carter of SC who is making a singles comeback after an ACL injury. She faces Carol Clay, Ft Lauderdale who is making her way back after knee and shoulder injuries.

    It’s a wonderful, addictive and often painful sport, tennis.

    The 80s start tomorrow. There are current and former singles and/or doubles world champions in the 80s including Burnett Herrick, Inge Weber, Dorothy Wasser and Carol Wood. Six out of the nine entrants have played on USA or Canadian cup teams!

    Also playing this week in 30 & 40 singles and 50 doubles is Lisa Bonner a former top 10 player.

    I’ll take some photos tomorrow….

    The results can be found here.


    📂This entry was posted in Category II USTA Tournaments Palm Beach Gardens, FL Tennis USTA USTA Tournament and Ranking News 📎and tagged

  • USTA Senior Teams (2020, Florida) Announced (World now postponed to 2021)

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    2020 USA Senior Cup Team Members

     Maria Esther Bueno Cup
    Women's 50    		  Fred Perry Cup
    Men's 50    		 
    Andrea RiceBethesdaMDArt HernandezHuntington BeachCA
    Jenny KlitchPalm Beach Gardens (captain)FLDana GillSan JoseCA
    Julie CassAustinTXEoin CollinsHoustonTX
    Vesna McKennaHollywoodFLOren Motevassel (Captain)Boynton BeachFL
    Maureen Connolly Cup
    Women's 55    		Austria Cup
    Men's 55
    Fran ChandlerJacksonTNBill Moss (captain)MalibuCA
    Mary DaileyDelray BeachFLEric LuxembourgSarasotaFL
    Shelly Works (captain)San AntonioTXLeo YoungEagleID
    Vicki BuholzDallasTXWilie AlumbaughLeawoodKS
    Alice Marble Cup
    Women's 60    		Von Cramm Cup
    Men's 60
    Robin HarrisSan DiegoCADaniel WaldmanWashingtonDC
    Pat PurcellSt. LouisMOMark VinesNaplesFL
    Shannon Gordon-CarneySt. LouisMoMike FedderlyPalm DesertCA
    Susan WrightOrlandoFLMike Tammen (captain)PortlandOR
    These 24 players were to have represented the USA in Senior Fed and Davis Cup (using the new Davis Cup format of one week with round robin play followed by knockout play). The competition originally was to take place in Boca Raton, Florida April 26-May 1, 2020. The competition has now been postponed to 2021 but will still take place in Florida, USA. There may be some change to team makeups for 2021, but the USTA will announce any changes.

    From USTA.com: (note that Robin Harris has replaced Diane Barker on the Women’s 60s team; Barker is injured.)

    From itftennis.com:

    2020 ITF Seniors (50-55-60) World Team & Individual Championships

    Location

    Team Championships: Boca Raton, Florida, USA

    Individual Championships: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA

    Dates

    Team Championships: Sunday 26 April to Friday 1 May 2020. If there is inclement weather, matches may be played on Saturday 2 May

    Individual Championships – Saturday 2 May to Saturday 9 May

    Venues 

    Team Championships: Boca Raton, Florida, USA

    Individual Championships: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA

    Fact Sheet

    The fact sheet for both the Team & Individual Championships are now available. Please note that the listed venues for the individual world championships may change.


    📂This entry was posted in 2020 Seniors World Championships, Florida 2020 Seniors, Boca Raton, FL International Tennis News ITF Individual World Championships ITF NEWS ITF World Team Championships 📎and tagged

  • Whitewater Preserve, Whitewater, CA

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols 2 Comments

    Palm Desert, CA

    Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the USA, is traditionally the start of the Christmas shopping season, where there are many big sales. It’s so named because it’s the day that retail operators start to turn a profit for the year.

    My cousins and I, instead of shopping went for a hike to Whitewater Preserve, about a 30-40 minute drive from Palm Desert. It was a chilly morning in the Desert, but in the 50s, so I wore shorts and a down jacket. I didn’t realize that Whitewater was at elevation. It was 42 degrees (about 4 degrees Celsius) when we exited the car…and starting to rain. My rain jacket was in my car…40 minutes away. Three of the group turned back to go hiking instead in Palm Springs. I didn’t which was both good and bad.

    The first hint of weather trouble was actually on the way out when we saw a big rainbow over the windmills. Rainbows always mean there’s rain somewhere.

    The good was that the Whitewater Preserve is beautiful, with streams abounding, snow covered mountains in the distance (after the Thanksgiving Day rain, which turned to snow in the mountains). Once we got going it wasn’t too bad, especially when the rain stopped and the sun came out. However, on the way back it began to hail! There weren’t too many people around though by the time we returned it was much busier.

    There was one stream that was a little trickier than others to cross…my cousin was trying to help with a piece of wood but then I spied a better area to cross (but it was a good thing I had waterproof shoes on.

    In the afternoon my dad and I considered hitting tennis balls, but you can see it was pretty wet…but the snow capped mountains were a beautiful silver lining.

    This is probably the last long blog for a bit.

    Happy holidays everyone!


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  • Santiago Champion

    Posted on by Carolyn Nichols Comment

    Santiago, Chile

    The final day was a big letdown. I got to the club early for my 10:30 match (8:30) to warm up because there was only one warm up court after 8:30 and I hadn’t reserved it. I warmed up, then went to check in…and saw I had won by walkover (no one told me). Apparently Fritteli had a pain in her shoulder and decided she wasn’t fit to play today, though I saw her practicing a lot yesterday.

    So I practiced some with Shirley Friedl and Marc Pepin and a little more later with Shirley, and waited for the awards ceremony. I also watched some of the women’s 35 final, which was very interesting in a crash waiting to happen way. Rous Lorca is a club member or local anyway. She moved well and hit deep topspin strokes, never came voluntarily to the net and wasn’t able to flatten out the ball to finish a point but had a nice dropshot at times and a good slice and 2 handed on the backhand side. She pummeled her opponent’s backhand. Loreto Painmill, her opponent had a more well rounded game but by the time I started watching, deep in the second set (about 2.5 hours into the match), Loreto was cramping after points frequently. Loreto would grind, then play a short point (which was frequently successful). Rous won the first set 75 and then 76 (7). Loreto had at least one set point, and I think she was way up in the breaker. But Rous just kept grinding…oh, and she only served underhanded, a big topspin underhanded serve, which wasn’t too attackable. Anyway, it passed a lot of time.

    Around 1:30 they started putting out some food, small sandwiches, and a big paella was being prepared, and was ready around 2pm. There was also an open bar and champagne. Then there was a pretty long awards ceremony, with trophies for first and second and for the singles winners, a bottle of wine and a box of knives (for the women) and a big knife, for the men, and quite nice knives.

    I found new areas of the club today I hadn’t seen…the gym, racquetball courts and some other racquet sports court which used a small ball and tennis racquets and playing off the wall. I watched a lesson but don’t know exactly what they were doing.

    And that’s a wrap on the tennis portion of this trip. I have a hike in the Andes tomorrow and am off to very southern Chile on Monday where instead of 90 it’s going to be in the 50s and windy.


    📂This entry was posted in Chile ITF Tournaments Santiago Santiago Chile Grade A Tennis Travel 📎and tagged