USA teams had a fabulous week in Mexico City. The high altitude made for very fast conditions which was to the liking of most of the American players.
The USA nearly swept the women’s divisions, winning four of the five Cups contested, the Young (40), Margaret Court (45), Maria Bueno (50) and Maureen Connolly (55) Cups. USA won the men’s Fred Perry Cup (50), and finished second in the Tony Trabert (40) Cup and third in the Italia (35) and Dubler (45) Cups. The Suzanne Lenglen (women’s 35) and Austria (men’s 55) teams finished fourth, both losing to the eventual champions.
In the 40s, the Young Cup, Vesna McKenna won in three sets at #2 singles, and Julie Cass, down a set and 53, rallied to win in three sets over Virginie Buisson of France. It was Buisson’s first ever loss in ITF Seniors competition. Amy Alcini captained this team and the fourth member was Mary Beth Williams.
In the 45s, the Margaret Court Cup, the US successfully defended its title, this year beating France in the final. Fran Chandler, the captain, won at #2 singles and Gretchen Magers was leading 21 in the third set when her opponent, Marielle Lapadu, pulled her calf muscle and had to retire. The doubles was not played.
In the 50s, the Bueno Cup team was out to avenge last year’s loss against Great Britain. The same singles lineups were in place, but not the windy conditions. Susan Wright of the US led off at #2 singles against Anthea Stewart. She won 62 62, and hit a lot of lines according to the team, which is not an unusual occurrence, Susan goes for her shots. Diane Fishburne then took on Chris French and won 63 76 to clinch the tie. Robin Harris and Tracey Thompson sealed the 3/0 victory win a straight set doubles win.
In the 55s, the USA played the Netherlands. USA was the 3x defending champion in the Connolly Cup. US #2, Carolyn Nichols played a nearly perfect match in beating Ellly Appel, the 2005 world champion, 60 60. Netherlands never had a game point in this match. Tina Karwasky was up next against the tough and improved Nora Blom, a steady lefty who moves very well. She beat Tina 64 63, counterpunching and lobbing well. The deciding doubles match was played by Sherri Bronson and Karwasky against Blom and Annalies van der Zweep. Sherri and Tina played a flawless and relentlessly attacking match, and hit great overheads to destroy their opponents 60 61 (with the sole game coming at 60 50.
In the Fred Perry Cup, Egan Adams at #2 and Mike Fedderly at #1 won their singles matches to beat Australia.
France beat the USA in the Trabert Cup, winning both singles.
ITF Article on final and link to results.
