La Jolla, Calif. – (February 7, 2012) – With rain forecast later in the afternoon and with dark, cloudy skies overhead, the United States Fred Perry Cup (Men’s 50s) team wasted little time in defeating Turkey, 3-0, to win their opening match at the 2012 International Tennis Federation Seniors World Team Championships.
On a cold, windy day at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, Mike Tammen of Portland, Ore., got off to a strong start and set the tone for the Americans as he scored a 6-0, 6-0 victory on Court No. 2 over Fuat Sabri Birgen of Turkey.
In the second singles match of the day, Mike Fedderly of Palm Desert, Calif., gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead as he easily dispatched Turkey’s Bahattin Sayin, 6-1, 6-1.
The U.S. wrapped up the victory as Val Wilder of Tyler, Texas and Peter Markes of Austin, Texas combined to defeat Sayin and Levent Turan of Turkey, 6-0, 6-3 in the doubles match.
Later in the afternoon, after the completion of the match, the skies over San Diego opened up and began raining. Play was eventually suspended for the day and all matches that were in progress were rescheduled for Wednesday.
Following his team’s convincing victory over Turkey, Fedderly said the match not only gave his team confidence, but allowed them to get match play and get used to the court conditions at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.
As the defending champion in the Fred Perry Cup competition, Fedderly and his teammates know that the matches will be tougher as the tournament continues. “We’re going to have to play very, very solid. We have four very good guys on our team,” Fedderly said. “The key is the depth. All four guys are basically the same. We can pick and choose and see who we want to play at what particular time and day.”
While Fedderly has won 65 USTA National titles playing as an individual, he holds the opportunity to represent the U.S. in high regard. “It means a great deal. That’s the reason we play these team championships. You get together with your buddies and you see old friends from other countries, but winning this is great because I’m representing my country,” he said.
“Representing your country means a lot. I’ve won a lot of national titles, but winning this for your country is another deal. It means a lot to me,” Fedderly added.
The U.S. Fred Perry Cup team, which is playing in Group A, will face New Zealand at 9:15 a.m. (PT) on Wednesday.
For up to date scores and results from the 2012 ITF Seniors World Team Championships, go to:
www.itftennis.com/seniors
The 32nd annual international team event, which is the senior equivalent of the Davis Cup and Fed Cup competitions, features 10 age divisions. The age divisions and the trophies they are playing for are as follows:
Men’s 35 – Italia Cup Women’s 35 – Suzanne Lenglen Cup
Men’s 40 – Tony Trabert Cup Women’s 40 – Young Cup
Men’s 45 – Dubler Cup Women’s 45 – Margaret Court Cup
Men’s 50 – Fred Perry Cup Women’s 50 – Maria Esther Bueno Cup
Men’s 55 – Austria Cup Women’s 55 – Maureen Connolly Cup
The cup competitions are being played at the following locations:
Austria Cup and Maureen Connolly Cup – Balboa Tennis Club, 2221 Morley Field Drive, San Diego
Tony Trabert Cup and Young Cup – Barnes Tennis Center, 4490 West Point Loma Boulevard, San Diego
Italia Cup and Suzanne Lenglen Cup – La Costa Resort and Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad
Dubler Cup – Morgan Run Club & Resort, 5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe
Maria Esther Bueno Cup – San Diego Tennis & Racquet Club, 4848 Tecolote Road, San Diego
Margaret Court Cup and Fred Perry Cup – La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla
and La Jolla Tennis Club, 7632 Draper Avenue, La Jolla
The United States team is the defending champion in the Young Cup, Margaret Court Cup, Maria Esther Bueno Cup, Maureen Connolly Cup and Fred Perry Cup.
Tournament admission to watch the matches is free and open to the public. On-site parking is available at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club for a nominal fee. There is no charge to park at other tournament venues.
Recently designated one of the Top 50 Tennis Resorts in the world by Tennis Resorts Online, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club’s reputation as a top tennis destination started in 1942 when it attracted its first major tournament, the Pacific Coast Men’s Doubles Championship. The club will be hosting the 123rd edition of The Pacific Coast Mens’ Doubles Championships in March 2012, and the USTA National Hard Court Championships for Women’s 50-90 age groups in May 2012.