Today was quarterfinal day at the National Women’s Hard Courts and there was nonstop action. It was quite windy all day, a storm brewing I think.

In the 50s, Tracy Houk was super intense in her 60 60 win over Mariana Hollman. They had long rallies but Mariana just said that Tracy made about four unforced errors the entire match! Ros Nideffer had a tough match with Ellie Hammagren, winning 63 63. Ros hits a ball that’s different from the other players…the sound is just so solid and her spin on her serve is outstanding. Judy Newman ousted #3 seeded Erika Smith in a battle that lasted nearly three hours. Erika pounded her forehand and serve and Judy ran for everything, winning 64 in the third. Fran Chandler played a flawless match to beat Anna Zimmermann.

In doubles, the top four seeds prevailed, though Kaus/Nunez had a tough match, losing 63 75 to Smith/Mary Dailey.

In the 60s, Rita Giles ran like a deer to oust #4 seed Sherri Bronson, 76 63. avenging her loss to Sherri at the Clay a few weeks ago. Tina Karwasky and Martha Downing advanced with ease to the semis. I had a tough battle with Leslie Murveit, much tougher than the 61 62 score would indicate.

In doubles, Bronson/Ann Stanley prevailed 64 in the third over Rita Rector/Julie David. Downing/Kathy Bennett beat Murveit/Sue Sprague 3, 1. Karwasky/Jan Kirkland-Cochran won easily. Una Davis and I beat Carol Gay/Sheila Johnson 75 61.

In the 70s, Peggy Andry is making her mark. She upset #4 seeded Sheila Weinstock in singles and combined with Jane Pang to oust #2 seeded Suella Steel/Charleen Hillebrand. Cathie Anderson, Betty Wachob and Hillebrand also advanced easily in singles. Weinstock and Ann Hunt though upset #4 seeded Elizabeth Barnhill/Shari Ploor; Carolann Castell/Judy Louie took three sets to beat Dori deVries and Roz King who were playing down from the 75s.

In the 80s, the four seeds reached the semis, Dorothy Matthiessen, Burnett Herrick, Mary John Lynch and Judith Smith.

The 90s were underway too with Cathie Hall putting in an impressive performance against Betty Eisenstein, showing she’s fully recovered from a rear-end auto accident she suffered a couple of years ago.

All results are here: http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=153474#&&s=8Results0

In the Men’s Indoors in Vancouver, WA, the first champions were crowned today, my dad Graydon Nichols and Tony Franco from Briarcliff Manor NY won the 90 doubles. They play each other in the final match of the round robin tomorrow for the gold. Here’s a photo sent to me by Nancy Ansboury of the golden pair. Tony has two artificial knees which hasn’t slowed him down a bit!

In other action up there, #2 seeded George Watts was upset by Doug Kerin; they join #3 seeded Dennis Nielsen, Lenny (I’m only going to play one match) Lindborg and top seeded Neil Hurlbut in the semis. In a battle of the Nelsons (Jim and Chuck), Chuck & Watts upset #2 seeded Lindborg/Jim Nelson and face Hurlbut/Nielsen in the final.

In the 85s, Lou Wick and Joe Russell will play for the gold.

Draws and results can be found here: http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=156613#&&s=7Draws6