1973 Virginia Slims of Akron

Last updated
1973 Virginia Slims of Akron
DateMarch 19–25
Edition1st
Category Grand Prix (B class)
Draw16S / 8D
Prize money$25,000
Surface Carpet / indoor
Location Akron, USA
Venue University of Akron
Champions
Singles
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert
Doubles
Flag of the United States.svg Patti Hogan / Flag of the United States.svg Sharon Walsh
Virginia Slims of Akron ·  1974  

The 1973 Virginia Slims of Akron, also known as the 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). 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]

Contents

Start of Evert – Navratilova rivalry

In the first round of the tournament Chris Evert played and won against 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 rivalry which would comprise 80 matches and last until 1988. [3]

Finals

Singles

Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert defeated Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Olga Morozova 6–3, 6–4

Doubles

Flag of the United States.svg Patti Hogan / Flag of the United States.svg Sharon Walsh defeated Flag of the United States.svg Patricia Bostrom / Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Michèle Gurdal 7–5, 6–4

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The First Federal of Sarasota Open, also known as the Virginia Slims of Sarasota, was a women's tennis tournament played on outdoor green clay courts at the Bath & Racquet Club in Sarasota, Florida in the United States that was part of the USLTA circuit which was in turn part of the 1973 Commercial Union Grand Prix circuit. It was the inaugural edition of the tournament and was held from April 5 through April 8, 1973. First-seeded Chris Evert won the singles title and earned $5,000 first-prize money.

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. 1 2 John Dolan (2011). Women's Tennis 1968–84: the Ultimate Guide. Remous. pp. 150, 536, 546–547.