Tournament Recap: 2023 ITF World Team Championships

Anne Frautschi & Debbie Spence-Nasim

DATES: August 13-18, 2023
LOCATION: Oeiras and Estoril, Portugal
DIVISIONS: 55 and 60

The 2023 ITF World Team Championships for the 55 and 60 age groups took place August 13 to 18 in Oeiras and Estoril, Portugal (just west of Lisbon). Overall, over 350 male and female players competed, with competitions spread out over three red clay venues. The 60s women’s division consisted of 20 teams and was played at Clube de Estoril, a beautiful club with panoramic views of the Portuguese Riviera, and which has hosted ATP and WTA events over the years. The 55s women’s division, with 19 teams, was played at the sprawling and historic Jamor tennis complex in Oeiras.

60s by Anne Frautschi

The 60s team of Fran Chandler (captain), Vicki Buholz, Gayle Prejean and Anne Frautschi had a strong showing earning the silver medal, falling to the defending champion Germans in the final. We defeated Denmark (3-0) and Norway (3-0) in the group stage. In the medal rounds, we defeated Canada (3-0) and the Netherlands (2-1) before falling to traditional powerhouse Germany (2-0). Germany cruised in straight sets through the entire event with the exception of dropping one Group stage doubles match to Sweden after the tie was decided. Italy defeated the Netherlands (2-1) for third place. Australia defeated Great Britain (2-1) for fifth place.

Off the court, we had numerous tasty meals, including a wonderful USA team dinner at SUD Lisboa, right on the waterfront in Lisbon. We also explored parts of Estoril and Cascais on foot. And of course, we had a few laundry and grocery expeditions! (Pro tip, the Portuguese laundromats already have the soap included in the machines!) The Portuguese Tennis Federation and ITF were terrific hosts throughout the event, including a 4-course player dinner at Estufa de Fria, a lovely, unique, and huge indoor greenhouse in Lisbon.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and as a first timer, I was happy to be able to share it with such fun and experienced teammates.

55s by Debbie Spence-Nasim

The Women’s 55 World Team Championships were played in Lisbon, Portugal August 13th-18th, 2023. Team USA, represented by Debbie Spence-Nasim (captain), Kathy Settles, Jenny Keller, and Charlotte Hartsock, took 3rd Place falling to Germany in the semifinals.

En route to the bronze medal, team USA beat Ireland, Denmark, South Africa and Spain.

The ITF and Portugal Tennis Federation did a great job hosting the event. The tournament dinner was held at a beautiful venue! The week-long event was filled with lots of tennis, dinners, shopping and sightseeing. It’s always fun to spend time with old friends from around the world and meeting new friends along the way.

Until next time….