Saturday’s Summary and Results — USTA National 40 Hard Court Championships

Written by: Staff on 2nd December 2012

Saturday's Summary and Results -- USTA National 40 Hard Court Championships |

USTA National 40 Hard Court Championships

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club

La Jolla, Calif.

Surface: Hard

Saturday’s Results

Men’s Singles

Semifinals

Oren Motevassel (1), Rancho Mirage, Calif., def. Jeff Greenwald (3), San Anselmo, Calif., 1-6, 6-0, 6-2

Martin Barba (4), Carlsbad, Calif. def. Teet Ratsep, Aliso Viejo, Calif., 6-0, 6-0

Women’s Singles

Championship

Dina McBride (1), Valencia, Calif. def. Ros Nideffer (2), San Diego, Calif., 7-5, 6-2

Sunday’s Schedule

Men’s Singles

Championship – 10:30 a.m.

Oren Motevassel (1), Rancho Mirage, Calif., vs. Martin Barba (4), Carlsbad, Calif.

For complete scores and tournament draws, please go to: http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=115645

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Top-seeded Dina McBride of Valencia, Calif., erased the memory of last year’s final, as she defeated second-seeded Ros Nideffer of San Diego (Rancho Bernardo), 7-5, 6-2, to win the women’s singles title at the USTA National 40 Hard Court Championships.

McBride, a former collegiate tennis star at the University of San Diego, reached the women’s singles final a year ago, but had to retire early in the match as she suffered a torn Achilles tendon.

Despite playing only one set of singles during her recovery this past year, McBride entered the tournament and made an incredible run to the title this week at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.

Playing under bright, sunny skies, McBride trailed Nideffer 4-5 as she served to stay in the first set. After holding serve to tie the score at 5-5, the 52-year-old Nideffer, a former touring tennis professional, opened the 11th game with a doubles fault and four points later, McBride broke serve to lead 6-5.

McBride went on to serve out the set as she fought off a break point and won a hard-fought 14-point game. She then jumped out to a 4-1 second-set lead and went on to serve out the match at 5-2 to win the title.

“I was down 4-5 (in the first set) and came back and won that set. That was a big turning point in the match. I think she (Nideffer) had a little bit of a letdown,” McBride said.

“Even being up 5-2, matches can turn on a dime. I was ready to go the distance. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” said McBride. “I was elated when that (final) ball went out. It’s unbelievable. I’m so excited and happy,”

As she thanked Tournament Director Bill Kellogg and spectators following the match, an emotional McBride dedicated her victory to her father who could not attend due to illness.

In the men’s singles semifinals, defending champion and top-seed Oren Motevassel of Rancho Mirage, Calif., advanced to his third straight National 40 Hard Court men’s singles final as he eliminated third-seeded Jeff Greenwald of Anselmo, Calif., 1-6, 6-0, 6-2.

It was the third straight year Motevassel defeated Greenwald, the 2009 men’s singles champion, in the semifinals. The previous two matches also went to three sets.

Motevassel will face fourth-seeded Martin Barba of Carlsbad, Calif. in the men’s singles final, which is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 2, at 10:30 a.m. (PST) at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Barba, the 2008 men’s singles champion, blanked Teet Ratsep of Aliso Viejo, Calif., 6-0, 6-0, in the other semifinal match.

Play continued in the Father / Son and Grandfather / Grandson USTA Hard Court Doubles Championships on Saturday. Both events will conclude on Sunday, Dec. 2.

For complete results and tournament draws, please go to: http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=115645

The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, one of California’s most treasured beachfront resorts for more than 75 years, welcomes tennis spectators to view the tournament with free admission. On-site parking is available for a nominal fee.

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 124th edition of The Pacific Coast Mens’ Doubles Championships in March 2013, and the USTA National Hard Court Championships for Womens’ 50-90 age groups in May 2013.

In honor of the USTA National Hard Court Championship, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club’s sister property, the La Jolla Shores Hotel, will be offering special room rates to the general public starting at $199 per night*.

Topics: 40 Hard Court Championships, Dina McBride, Sports, Tennis News, Usta