1973 Akron Tennis Open

1973 Akron Tennis Open
Date	March 19–25
Edition	1st
Category	Grand Prix (B class) USLTA Circuit
Draw	16S / 8D
Prize money	$25,000
Surface	Carpet / indoor
Location	Akron, Ohio, US
Venue	University of Akron
Champions
Singles
Chris Evert
Doubles
Patti Hogan / Sharon Walsh
Virginia Slims of Akron ·  1974  →

The 1973 Akron Tennis Open was a women's tennis tournament played on indoor carpet courts at the University of Akron Memorial Hall in Akron, Ohio in the United States that was part of the 1973 Women's Grand Prix Circuit (B class) as well as the USLTA Circuit. It was the inaugural edition of the tournament and was held from March 19 through March 25, 1973. Chris Evert won the singles title and the accompanying $6,000 first-prize money. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Start of Evert – Navratilova rivalry

Main article: Evert–Navratilova rivalry

In the first round of the tournament, Evert defeated Martina Navratilova in straight sets, 7–6^(5–1), 6–3, after Navartilova had failed to serve out the first set at 6–5 and 30–0. It was their first encounter on the professional tour and the start of their legendary rivalry, which would comprise 80 matches and last until 1988. ^[3]

Finals

Singles

Chris Evert defeated Olga Morozova 6–3, 6–4

• It was Evert's 2nd singles title of the year and the 13th of her career.

Doubles

Patti Hogan / Sharon Walsh defeated Patricia Bostrom / Michèle Gurdal 7–5, 6–4

References

1. John Barrett, ed. (1974). World of Tennis '74 : a BP and Commercial Union yearbook. London: Queen Anne Press. pp. 130, 152. ISBN   9780362001686.
2. "Chris Evert Wins Akron Tennis Open". Schenectady Gazette . AP. March 26, 1973. p. 28.
3. John Dolan (2011). Women's Tennis 1968–84: the Ultimate Guide. Remous. pp. 150, 536, 546–547.