WOMEN’S 50S, 60S, 70S AND 80S CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT USTA NATIONAL SENIOR WOMEN’S HARD COURT TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Written by: Staff on 17th May 2013

WOMEN’S 50S, 60S, 70S AND 80S CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT USTA NATIONAL SENIOR WOMEN’S HARD COURT TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS |

La Jolla, Calif. – (May 17, 2013) – The third time was the charm for top-seeded Tracy Houk of Montara, Calif., as she overwhelmed second-seeded Frances Chandler of Jackson, Tenn., 6-1, 6-0, to win the Women’s 50s singles title of the USTA National Senior Women’s Hard Court Championships at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.

The 51-year-old Houk had been a tournament singles finalist the past two years, but fell short each time. This year however, there was no doubt as she broke Chandler’s serve at love to open match and won 12 of the first 14 points and would go on to build a 5-0 first set lead.

After closing out the first set with her fourth service break, a determined Houk stayed focused in the second set and continued to pressure Chandler from the baseline in dominating fashion as she won 12 of the first 15 points.

Houk proceeded to wrap up the second set in 25 minutes to win her first USTA National Women’s 50s singles title. “I just went in there determined. I knew I could do it. I wanted to put 110 percent into it and I did,” said an overjoyed Houk.

“I’m in shock. There was more emotion the last two years when I lost. This year, it hasn’t hit me yet because I worked so hard to get here, but I am truly happy. It’s incredible.”

Houk, who thanked her coach Mike Zarraonandia for helping her win the tournament, said the key to her victory was her intensity and the ability to keep the ball deep in the court during the match to prevent Chandler from attacking.

In other title matches played on Friday, defending champion and top seed Tina Karwasky of Glendale, Calif., won the Women’s 60s singles crown as she got past third-seeded Mary Ginnard of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 6-4, 6-4. It was the second straight year Karwasky defeated Ginnard in the final.

“It’s always tough play Mary because we’re both so competitive,” Karwasky said after her match. “She raises the level of her game every time she plays me, so I never know what to expect. I just made a few less unforced errors.”

In the Women’s 70s singles final, second-seeded Catherine Anderson of Del Mar, Calif. scored a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 victory over top-seeded Charleen Hillebrand of San Pedro, Calif. to win the title.

Number one-seeded Margaret Canby of San Antonio defeated second-seeded Doris Lutz of Sarasota, Fla., 6-3, 6-4, to capture the Women’s 80s singles championship.

The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club’s 41st Annual Spring Senior Championships for men is also taking place this week in conjunction with the women’s events. Although the men’s events are not national championships, they feature many senior players who regularly compete in national tournaments. The men’s events include singles and doubles for 60 and over, 65 and over, 70 and over, 75 and over, 80 and over age groups.

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club welcomes tennis enthusiasts to view the tournament with free admission. On-site parking is available for a nominal fee. Tournament draws are online at: http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=125267

All women’s consolation events will conclude on Sunday, May 19. Matches will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Designated as 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.