Mariko Fritz-Krockow

DATES: March 19 - 24
LOCATION: Antalya, Turkey
DIVISIONS: 30/35/40/45/50

It’s not often in life that you get the chance to represent your country in anything. In age-based tennis, the ITF World Team Championships, part of the Masters Tour, is our amazing opportunity to do so. This year, “Worlds” was held in Antalya, Turkey from March 19 - 24 and I, along with 19 other women, had the incredible honor of representing the USA to compete against countries from around the world. Aside from the experience of traveling to Turkey to compete in an international tournament against players from around the world, which, by itself is already amazing, the greatest part of my experience was hanging out with other members of Team USA. The camaraderie and support that I felt was incredible. It was a true pleasure to compete alongside these amazing women. Over the week we spent together, many friendships were formed over meals, drinks, hammam and sightseeing trips and I truly look forward to seeing my friends again at national tournaments.

2023 was the first year that a 30s category was offered and Mariel Tinnirello, Monica Hoz De Vila, Erika Takeuchi and Lya Kushnirovich made up the inaugural Team USA. We saw some hard fought matches from this team. Mariel Tinnirello showed us what grit looks like, fighting her way through multiple 3-set victories. Monica Hoz De Vila and Erika Takeuchi quickly found their groove as a newly formed doubles team and secured multiple wins. The team’s grit shone through as they walked onto that final podium to receive their bronze medals! 

GALLERY