Tournament Recap: USTA National Women’s 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85 Grass Court Championships
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
DIVISIONS: 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85
The Philadelphia Grass Court tournament once again drew a strong field, with full draws in every age division except the 85s, where two players competed in singles and two teams in doubles.
The weather cooperated remarkably well, with temperatures and humidity staying in the bearable range for most of the week. A deluge, accompanied by the threat of a possible tornado, appeared headed toward the tournament one afternoon, but the worst of the storm largely bypassed the courts and the grass remained playable.
Even with the relatively friendly weather, the courtside amenities were greatly appreciated. Players were treated to pickle juice, orange slices, Gatorade, and iced towels, welcome touches during long days of competition on the grass.
NWTO also had a strong presence throughout the tournament. The NWTO table was exceptionally well staffed thanks to Table Ambassador Lori Johnson and Norri Collier, who were on hand to greet players, answer questions, and spread the word about NWTO.
An unusually large contingent of six San Diego players made the trip east this year: Tiffany Kellogg (45 singles and doubles bronze), Allison Sterett (45 doubles bronze), Darice Carnaje, Hillary Park, Anna Palmer, and Liane Bryson (75 singles and doubles gold).
As always, the tournament was run with impressive efficiency by Tournament Director Philadelphia Cricket Club Director of Tennis Anne Marie Devlin and Referee Melissa Jackson. With strong draws, competitive tennis, thoughtful courtside amenities, and the chance to play on Philadelphia’s beautiful grass courts, the tournament once again provided a terrific week of women’s age-level tennis.
QUICK RESULTS
WOMEN’S 35s SINGLES
🥇 Julia Cohen
🥈 Yulia Bolotova
🥉 Victoria Fisher
WOMEN’S 35s DOUBLES
🥇 Liz Wetherill/Lauren Greco
🥈 Victoria Fisher/Lida Beninson
🥉 Ashley Nations/Yulia Bolotova
WOMEN’S 45s SINGLES
🥇 Inese Williamson
🥈 Lida Beninson
🥉 Tiffany Kellogg
WOMEN’S 45s DOUBLES
🥇 Inese Williamson/Darcy Rebenda
🥈 Adrienne Supino/Kimberly Rosenthal
WOMEN’S 55s SINGLES
🥇 Vicenza Massaro
🥈 Lindsay Montero
🥉 Ellen Markowitz
WOMEN’S 55s DOUBLES
🥇 Lindsay Montero/Shelley Barlett-Sweeney
🥈 Adrienne Simmons/Ellen Markowitz
🥉 Sue Kaleel/Kristen Charlton
WOMEN’S 65s SINGLES
🥇 Susan Wright
🥈 Debra Simpson
🥉 Lori Robertson
WOMEN’S 65s DOUBLES
🥇 Susan Wright/Lori Robertson
🥈 Anne Frautschi/Kathleen Haigood
WOMEN’S 75s SINGLES
🥇 Liane Bryson
WOMEN’S 75s DOUBLES
🥇 Judy Dixon/Liane Bryson
WOMEN’S 85s SINGLES
🥇 Susan Gartner
🥈 Janet Tietz
WOMEN’S 85s DOUBLES
🥇 Gartner/Tietz
🥈 Wood/Weinstock