Tournament Recap: USTA National Women’s Grass Court Championships
Karen Fellabaum
DATES: July 15-19, 2024
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
DIVISIONS: Level 1, 35-85
Germantown Cricket Club was founded in 1854 and the 14-acre site holds National Historic Landmark status. A founding member of the USTA, GCC has hosted premier tennis tournaments for decades. Some of these include the U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championships, the Davis Cup in the 1920’s, the first Federation Cup match held on U.S. soil in 1964 and the USTA National Grass Court tournaments since 1974. The National Women’s Tennis Organization is thrilled that GCC continues to welcome competitors from across the United States. When entering the grounds and clubhouse, one is struck by a sense of history and pride.
The Championships included 105 players, 56 of whom were NWTO members.
The tournament registration table distributed navy blue USTA Middle States swag bags with NWTO Drink tickets, USTA wristbands, Zipfizz, peanuts, Powerbars, a pen and a long sleeve white Germantown T-Shirt. The detailed Player Information Packet was sent to all players as an email attachment.
Prior to the Tournament, Mehdi Rhazali, Head Racquets Professional and TD, scheduled a member-guest Round Robin. This is a popular event and many players pre-registered for a golden opportunity to acclimate to the Grass and to interact with GCC Members. Unfortunately, rain and heavy winds prevailed, causing cancellation.
On Monday, Melissa Jackson, Head Referee, launched the tournament with opening remarks about the heat advisory, self-care, breaks between sets and general procedures to follow throughout the week. With brutal temperatures, the addition of a misting tent just outside the Pro Shop provided relief. Additionally, a buffet of nutrients including salted pretzels, watermelon, bananas, pickles/pickle juice, orange slices, Gatorade, ice-cold bottled water and cold towels was maintained throughout the week. A Sports Physical Therapist was also available to players.
On Tuesday, we were welcomed to the Player Dinner and Champagne Toast by the General Manager, Millie Harper, who raised a glass and wished us a splendid week. Mehdi then introduced NWTO Co-President Julie Thu who spoke about the organization and its goals. Julie also extended a special welcome to eight players who entered the Women’s 85s events: Burnette Herrick, Lola O’Sullivan, Sheila Palmer, Ingrid Rehwinkel, Mary Ann Winden, Carol Wood, Judith Smith and Irma De Marzo. A special congratulations goes out to Ingrid Rehwinkel who won her first gold ball at age 87 years young!
On Wednesday, NWTO sponsored a Happy Hour with heavy hors d’oeuvres in the Grill Room. Given the excessive heat, players were grateful to be in air conditioning. With such a beautiful presentation and selection, the delicious food at both the Banquet and Happy Hour was very impressive.
Producing an event of this caliber can be exceptionally challenging and it was apparent that the Germantown Cricket Club Community was dedicated to achieving a brilliant outcome.
QUICK RESULTS→
🏆 W35
SINGLES: 1st Julia Cohen, 2nd Paloma Escobedo, 3rd Erin Fleming
DOUBLES: 1st Julie Ogborne/Kirsten Elim, 2nd Darcy Rabenda/Hyacinth Yorke, 3rd Hilary Park/Anna Palmer
🏆 W45
SINGLES: 1st Julie Thu, 2nd Inese Williamson, 3rd Leanne Mos
DOUBLES: 1st Julie Cass/Julie Thu, 2nd Lori Robertson/Vicki Buholz, 3rd Leanne Mos/Inese Williamson
🏆 W55
SINGLES: 1st Kathy Settles, 2nd Julie Cass, 3rd Vincenza Massaro
DOUBLES: 1st Kathy Settles/Jenny Rens, 2nd Barry Bulmore/Erika Smith, 3rd Julie Ogborne/Kirsten Elim
🏆 W65
SINGLES: 1st Susan Wright, 2nd Ann Young, 3rd Shannon Gordon-Carney
DOUBLES: 1st Patricia Purcell/Carolyn Lane, 2nd Shannon Gordon-Carney/Susan Wright, 3rd Kim Dean/Ann Young
🏆 W75
SINGLES: 1st Liane Bryson, 2nd Susan Kimball, 3rd Betty Wachob
DOUBLES: 1st Gwenda Ward/Susan Kimball, 2nd Liane Bryson/Leslie Pixley, 3rd Chris Grant/Judith Lehman
🏆 W85
SINGLES: 1st Ingrid Rehwinkel, 2nd Irma DeMarzo, 3rd Burnette Herrick
DOUBLES: 1st Sheila Palmer/Burnette Herrick, 2nd Carol Wood/Judith Smith, 3rd Ingrid Rehwinkel/Lola O’Sullivan
FULL RESULTS HERE
Photo Gallery
