1978 WTA Tour

Last updated
1978 WTA Tour
Tennis Nederland tegen Verenigde Staten in Den Haag Navratilova in aktie, Bestanddeelnr 930-9118 (cropped).jpg
Martina Navratilova finished the year as world No. 1 for the first time in her career. She won eleven singles tournaments during the season, including a major at the Wimbledon Championships, as well as the Virginia Slims Championships.
Details
Duration14 November 1977 – 18 December 1978
Edition6th
Tournaments47
CategoriesGrand Slam (4)
WTA Championships (3)
Virginia Slims Circuit (11)
Colgate International Series (23)
Non-tour events (4)
Achievements (singles)
Most titles Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova (11)
Most finals Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova (15)
Prize money
leader
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert ($454,486)
Points leader Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova (15.660)
Awards
Player of the year Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Doubles team
of the year
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Most improved
player of the year
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
Newcomer
of the year
Flag of the United States.svg Pam Shriver
1977
1979

The 1978 WTA Tour consisted of a number of tennis tournaments for female tennis players. It was composed of two subsidiary circuits, the streamlined winter version of the Virginia Slims Circuit (which was now an 11-week tour of the United States) and the world wide Colgate International Series. [1] [2] The tour was administered by the Women's International Professional Tennis Council.

Contents

Schedule

This is a calendar of all events which were part of either the Virginia Slims circuit or the Colgate Series in the year 1978, with player progression documented from the quarterfinals stage. Also included are the Grand Slam tournaments, the 1978 Virginia Slims Championships, the 1978 Federation Cup and a number of events not affiliated with either tour. [1]

Key
Grand Slam tournaments
Virginia Slims/Colgate Series championships
Virginia Slims Circuit
Colgate International Series
Non-tour events
Team events

November (1977)

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
14 Nov Colgate International of Australia
Sydney, Australia
Colgate Series (AAAA)
Grass – $100,000
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
6–1, 6–3
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid Flag of Australia (converted).svg Dianne Fromholtz
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Greer Stevens
Flag of the United States.svg Terry Holladay
Flag of the United States.svg Pam Teeguarden
Flag of the United States.svg Jeanne Evert
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid / Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Greer Stevens
vs.
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley / Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Cancelled
21 Nov Toyota Classic
Melbourne, Australia
Colgate Series (AA)
Grass – $75,000
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
6–4, 6–1
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Sue Barker
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Pam Whytcross
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Dianne Fromholtz
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Helen Gourlay Cawley
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
6–3, 6–0
Flag of the United States.svg Patricia Bostrom
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kym Ruddell
28 Novr South African Open
Johannesburg, South Africa
Colgate Series (A)
Hard – $35,000
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Linky Boshoff
6–4, 6–1
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Brigitte Cuypers Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Yvonne Vermaak
Flag of the United States.svg Sharon Walsh
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Niekle Scheepers
Flag of the United States.svg Jeanne Evert
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Marise Kruger
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Alison McDade
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Linky Boshoff
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Ilana Kloss
5–7, 6–3, 6–3
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Brigitte Cuypers
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Marise Kruger

December (1977)

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
5 Dec Bremar Cup
London, Great Britain
Colgate Series (A)
Hard – $35,000
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
6–3, 6–1
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Tanya Harford
Flag of the United States.svg Sharon Walsh
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Florența Mihai
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Renáta Tomanová
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Renáta Tomanová
6–2, 6–3
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
12 Dec Marlboro NSW Open
Sydney, Australia
Colgate Series (A)
Grass – $35,000
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
6–2, 6–3
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Sue Barker Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Regina Maršíková
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Helen Gourlay Cawley
6–0, 6–0
Flag of the United States.svg Mona Guerrant
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
19 Dec
26 Dec
Australian Open
Melbourne, Australia
Grand Slam (A)
Grass – 32S/16D
SinglesDoubles
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
6–3, 6–0
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Helen Gourlay Cawley Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Sue Barker
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Judy Dalton
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kathleen Harter
Flag of the United States.svg Mona Guerrant
Flag of the United States.svg Rayni Fox
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley / Flag of Australia (converted).svg Helen Gourlay Cawley
vs.
Flag of the United States.svg Mona Guerrant / Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Cancelled due to Rain

January

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
2 Jan Virginia Slims of Washington
Washington, United States
Virginia Slims
Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 32S/16D
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
7–5, 6–4
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve Flag of Australia (converted).svg Dianne Fromholtz
Flag of the United States.svg JoAnne Russell
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Greer Stevens
Flag of the United States.svg Kathy May
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
Flag of the United States.svg Nancy Richey
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
6–3, 7–5
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
9 Jan Virginia Slims of Hollywood
Hollywood, United States
Virginia Slims
Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 32S/16D
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
6–2, 6–3
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
Flag of the United States.svg Marita Redondo
Flag of the United States.svg Nancy Richey
Flag of the United States.svg Kathy Teacher
Flag of the United States.svg Rosie Casals
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
6–2, 6–4
Flag of France.svg Françoise Dürr
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
16 Jan Virginia Slims of Houston
Houston, United States
Virginia Slims
Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 32S/16D
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
1–6, 6–2, 6–2
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Yvonne Vermaak
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Sue Barker
Flag of the United States.svg Rosie Casals
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
7–6(5–4), 4–6, 7–6(5–4)
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Greer Stevens
Flag of the United States.svg Mona Guerrant
23 Jan Virginia Slims of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States
Virginia Slims
Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 32S/16D
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
6–3, 6–2
Flag of the United States.svg Rosie Casals Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Marise Kruger
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Greer Stevens
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Yvonne Vermaak
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Sue Barker
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
6–3, 6–2
Flag of the United States.svg Pam Teeguarden
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Greer Stevens
30 Jan Virginia Slims of Chicago
Chicago, United States
Virginia Slims
Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 32S/16D
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
6–7(4–5), 6–2, 6–2
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Sue Barker
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of the United States.svg Rosie Casals
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
6–1, 6–4
Flag of the United States.svg Rosie Casals
Flag of the United States.svg JoAnne Russell

February

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
6 Feb Virginia Slims of Seattle
Seattle, United States
Virginia Slims
Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 32S/15D
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
6–1, 1–6, 6–1
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of the United States.svg Marita Redondo
Flag of the United States.svg Kathy May
Flag of the United States.svg Rosie Casals
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of the United States.svg JoAnne Russell
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
6–2, 6–3
Flag of the United States.svg Patricia Bostrom
Flag of the United States.svg Marita Redondo
20 Feb Virginia Slims of Detroit
Detroit, United States
Virginia Slims
Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 32S/16D
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
6–3, 6–2
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Dianne Fromholtz Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Greer Stevens
Flag of the United States.svg Sharon Walsh
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
6–3, 6–4
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Melville
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
27 Feb Virginia Slims of Kansas
Kansas, United States
Virginia Slims
Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 34S/16D
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
7–5, 2–6, 6–3
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Brigitte Cuypers
Flag of the United States.svg Rosie Casals
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
6–4, 6–4
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull

March

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
6 Mar Virginia Slims of Dallas
Dallas, United States
Virginia Slims
Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 32S/14D
SinglesDoubles
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
4–6, 6–0, 6–2
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin Flag of the United States.svg Pam Shriver (3rd)
Flag of the United States.svg Anne Smith (4th)
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Marise Kruger
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of the United States.svg Rosie Casals
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Flag of the United States.svg Anne Smith
6–3, 7–6(5–2)
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
13 Mar Virginia Slims of Boston
Boston, United States
Virginia Slims
Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 33S/14D
SinglesDoubles
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
4–6, 6–1, 6–4
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Marise Kruger
Flag of the United States.svg Marita Redondo
Flag of the United States.svg Rosie Casals
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
6–3, 6–2
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
20 Mar Virginia Slims of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States
Virginia Slims
Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 32S/1D
SinglesDouble
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert
6–0, 6–4
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Melville
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
6–3, 7–5
Flag of France.svg Françoise Dürr
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
27 Mar Virginia Slims Championships
Los Angeles, United States
Season-end championships
Carpet (i) – $150,000 – 16S (8RR)
SingleDoubles
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
7–6(5–0), 6–4
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of the United States.svg Rosie Casals 4th
Round robin
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid

April

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
3 Apr Bridgestone Doubles Championships
Salt Lake City, United States
$100,000 – Carpet (i) – 8D
Doubles
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
6–4, 6–4
Flag of France.svg Françoise Dürr
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Stöve / Flag of Australia (converted).svg Goolagong Cawley
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Reid / Flag of Australia (converted).svg Turnbull
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Stevens / Flag of the United States.svg Schallau
Flag of the United States.svg Bostrom / Flag of the United States.svg Redondo
Flag of the United States.svg Casals / Flag of the United States.svg Russell
Flag of the United States.svg Kemmer / Flag of the United States.svg Newberry
10 Apr Family Circle Cup
Hilton Head Island, United States
Colgate Series (AAA)
Clay – $125,000 – 30S/16D
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert
6–2, 6–0
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid Flag of the United States.svg JoAnne Russell
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Flag of the United States.svg Jeanne DuVall
Flag of the United States.svg Rosie Casals
Flag of the United States.svg Renée Richards
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
6–3, 7–5
Flag of the United States.svg Mona Guerrant
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Greer Stevens

May

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
15 May German Open
Hamburg, West Germany
Colgate Series (A)
$35,000 – clay – 64S/16D
SinglesDoubles
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Mima Jaušovec
6–2, 6–3
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Regina Maršíková
Flag of Germany.svg Sylvia Hanika
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Renáta Tomanová
Flag of Argentina.svg Viviana González
Flag of the United States.svg Kathy May
Flag of the United States.svg Laura duPont
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Mima Jaušovec
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
6–4, 5–7, 6–0
Flag of Germany.svg Katja Ebbinghaus
Flag of Germany.svg Helga Niessen Masthoff
22 May Italian Open
Rome, Italy
Colgate Series (A)
$35,000 – clay
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Regina Maršíková
7–5, 7–5
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici Flag of the United States.svg Janet Newberry
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Michelle Tyler
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Mima Jaušovec
Flag of the United States.svg Betsy Nagelsen
Flag of Germany.svg Katja Ebbinghaus
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Renáta Tomanová
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Mima Jaušovec
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
6–2, 2–6, 7–6
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Florența Mihai
Flag of the United States.svg Betsy Nagelsen
29 May
5 June
French Open
Paris, France
Grand Slam (AA)
$337,000 – Clay (red) – 64S/64Q/32D/24X
SinglesDoublesMixed doubles
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
6–2, 6–2
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Mima Jaušovec Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Regina Maršíková
Flag of France.svg Brigitte Simon
Flag of the United States.svg Kathy May
Flag of Germany.svg Helga Niessen Masthoff
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Mirka Bendlová
Flag of Uruguay.svg Fiorella Bonicelli
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Mima Jaušovec
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
5–7, 6–4, 8–6
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Lesley Turner Bowrey
Flag of France.svg Gail Sherriff Chanfreau
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Renáta Tomanová
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Pavel Složil
7–6 ret
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
Flag of France.svg Patrice Dominguez

June

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
12 Jun Keith Prowse International
Chichester, Great Britain
Colgate Series (A)
$35,000 – grass – 32S/16D
SinglesDoubles
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
6–4, 6–4
Flag of the United States.svg Pam Teeguarden Flag of the United States.svg Janet Wright
Flag of the United States.svg Sharon Walsh
Flag of the United States.svg Barbara Potter
Flag of the United States.svg Diane Desfor
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Cynthia Doerner
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
Flag of the United States.svg Janet Wright
Flag of the United States.svg Pam Shriver
3–6, 6–3, 6–4
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Michelle Tyler
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Yvonne Vermaak
19 Jun Colgate International
Eastbourne, Great Britain
Colgate Series (AA)
$75,000 – grass – 64S/32D
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
6–4, 4–6, 9–7
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Anne Hobbs
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Michelle Tyler
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
6–4, 6–7, 7–5
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
26 Jun
3 Jul
Wimbledon Championships
London, Great Britain
Grand Slam (AAAA)
Grass – 96S/48D/64X
SinglesDoublesMixed doubles
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
2–6, 6–4, 7–5
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Mima Jaušovec
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Marise Kruger
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
4–6, 9–8(12–10), 6–3
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Mima Jaušovec
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Frew McMillan
6–2, 6-2
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ray Ruffels

August

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
7 Aug US Clay Court Championships
Indianapolis, United States
Colgate Series (A)
$35,000 – clay – 48S/24D
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United States.svg Dana Gilbert
6–2, 6–3
Flag of Argentina.svg Viviana González Flag of the United States.svg Janet Wright
Flag of the United States.svg Jeanne Evert
Flag of the United States.svg Kate Latham
Flag of the United States.svg Caroline Stoll
Flag of the United States.svg Valerie Ziegenfuss
Flag of the United States.svg Jeanne DuVall
Flag of Sweden.svg Helena Anliot
Flag of Denmark.svg Helle Sparre-Viragh
6–1, 6–3
Flag of the United States.svg Barbara Hallquist
Flag of the United States.svg Sheila McInerney
14 Aug Rothmans Canadian Open
Toronto, Canada
Colgate Series (A)
$35,000 – hard
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Regina Maršíková
7–5, 6–7(9–11), 6–2
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici Flag of the United States.svg Diane Desfor
Flag of the United States.svg Zenda Liess
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Mima Jaušovec
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Yvonne Vermaak
Flag of Argentina.svg Viviana González
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Lesley Hunt
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Regina Maršíková
Flag of the United States.svg Pam Teeguarden
5–7, 6–4, 6–2
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Chris O'Neil
Flag of the United States.svg Paula Smith
21 Aug Bergen County Classic
Mahwah, United States
Colgate Series (AA)
$75,000 – hard
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
1–6, 6–1, 6–4
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Regina Maršíková
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
Flag of the United States.svg Mareen Louie Harper
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Lesley Hunt
Flag of the United States.svg Betsy Nagelsen
Flag of the United States.svg Caroline Stoll
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Ilana Kloss
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Marise Kruger
6–3, 6–1
Flag of the United States.svg Barbara Potter
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Pam Whytcross
28 Aug
4 Sep
US Open
New York City, United States
Grand Slam (AAAA)
$260,000 – Hard – 96S/32D/32X
SinglesDoublesMixed doubles
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert
7–5, 6–4
Flag of the United States.svg Pam Shriver Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Lesley Hunt
Flag of the United States.svg Kathy May
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
7–6, 6–4
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Frew McMillan
6–2, 3–6, 6–3
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ray Ruffels

September

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
11 Sep Toray Sillook Open
Tokyo, Japan
Colgate Series (AAA)
$75,000 – carpet (i) – 32S
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
6–4, 7–6(7–2)
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve Flag of the United States.svg Marita Redondo
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of the United States.svg Jeanne DuVall
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Michelle Tyler
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
Flag of the United States.svg Carrie Meyer
Women in Tennis International
San Antonio, United States
Colgate Series (A)
$35,000 – hard – 32S/16D
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United States.svg Stacy Margolin
7–5, 6–1
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Yvonne Vermaak Flag of the United States.svg Laura duPont
Flag of the United States.svg Anna-Maria Fernandez
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Ilana Kloss
Flag of the United States.svg Barbara Hallquist
Flag of Brazil.svg Patricia Medrado
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Cynthia Doerner
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Ilana Kloss
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Marise Kruger
6–1, 6–4
Flag of the United States.svg Laura duPont
Flag of France.svg Françoise Dürr
18 Sep World Tennis Classic
Montreal, Canada
Colgate Series (A)
$40,000 – clay – 32S/18D
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United States.svg Caroline Stoll
6–3, 6–2
Flag of France.svg Françoise Dürr Flag of the United States.svg Laura duPont
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Yvonne Vermaak
Flag of the United States.svg Dana Gilbert
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Glynis Coles
Flag of the United States.svg Diane Desfor
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Michelle Tyler
Flag of the United States.svg Julie Anthony
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
6–4, 6–4
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Ilana Kloss
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Marise Kruger
25 Sep Wyler's Classic
Atlanta, United States
Colgate Series (AAA)
$100,000 – carpet (i)
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert
7–6(7–3), 0–6, 6–3
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of the United States.svg Carrie Meyer
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of the United States.svg Zenda Liess
Flag of France.svg Françoise Dürr
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
4–6, 6–2, 6–4
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Flag of the United States.svg Anne Smith

October

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
2 Oct Thunderbird Classic
Phoenix, United States
Colgate Series (AA)
$75,000 – hard – 32S/16S
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
6–4, 6–2
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of the United States.svg Anne Smith
Flag of the United States.svg Anna-Maria Fernandez
Flag of the United States.svg Ann Kiyomura
Flag of the United States.svg Jeanne DuVall
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
6–4, 6–7, 6–2
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Flag of the United States.svg Anne Smith
9 Oct US Indoors Championships
Minneapolis, United States
Colgate Series (AAAA)
$100,000 – carpet (i)
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert
6–7, 6–2, 6–4
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of the United States.svg Barbara Potter
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
6–3, 6–3
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Lesley Hunt
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Ilana Kloss
16 Oct BMW Challenge
Brighton, Great Britain
Colgate Series (AA)
$75,000 – carpet (i)
SinglesDoubles
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
5–7, 6–2, 7–5
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Germany.svg Sylvia Hanika
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Mima Jaušovec
Flag of Sweden.svg Nina Bohm
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
6–0, 7–6
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Ilana Kloss
Flag of the United States.svg JoAnne Russell
23 Oct Porsche Tennis Grand Prix
Filderstadt, West Germany
Colgate Series (A)
$35,000 – carpet (i)
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
6–3, 6–3
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Mima Jaušovec
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
Flag of Italy.svg Sabina Simmonds
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Lesley Hunt
Flag of Sweden.svg Nina Bohm
Flag of Germany.svg Heidi Eisterlehner
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
6–3, 6–2
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Mima Jaušovec
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
30 Oct Rio de La Plata Championships
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Colgate Series (A)
$35,000 – clay
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United States.svg Caroline Stoll
6–3, 6–1
Flag of Argentina.svg Emilse Raponi Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Regina Maršíková
Flag of Argentina.svg Ivanna Madruga
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Cynthia Doerner
Flag of France.svg Françoise Dürr
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Elly Vessies
Flag of Argentina.svg Liliana Giussani
Flag of France.svg Françoise Dürr
Flag of the United States.svg Valerie Ziegenfuss
1–6, 6–4, 6–3
Flag of the United States.svg Laura duPont
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Regina Maršíková
Wightman Cup
London, United Kingdom
Hard (i)
Team event
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Great Britain
4–3
Flag of the United States.svg United States

November

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
6 Nov Florida Federal Open
Oldsmar, United States
Colgate Series (AA)
$75,000 – hard
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
6–4, 7–6(7–1)
Flag of the United States.svg Anna-Maria Fernandez Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Regina Maršíková
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of the United States.svg Renee Blount
Flag of the United States.svg Anne White
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Flag of the United States.svg Anne Smith
7–6(7–4), 6–3
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
13 Nov Colgate Series Championships
Palm Springs, United States
Colgate Series championships
$250,000 – hard
SinglesDoubles
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert
6–3, 6–3
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg Virginia Ruzici
Round robin
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Regina Maršíková
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
Flag of the United States.svg Billie Jean King
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
6–3, 6–4
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kerry Reid
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wendy Turnbull
20 Nov Gunze Invitational
Tokyo, Japan
Non-tour event
Hard (i)
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
6–1, 6–1
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Betty Stöve
4–6, 7–6, 6–3
Flag of the United States.svg Tracy Austin
Flag of the United States.svg Kathy May
27 Nov Federation Cup
Melbourne, Australia
Grass – 32 teams knockout
Flag of the United States.svg  United States
2–1
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg  Soviet Union
Flag of France.svg  France
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czechoslovakia
Flag of Romania.svg  Romania
Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands

December

WeekTournamentChampionsRunners-upSemifinalistsQuarterfinalists
11 Dec Emeron Cup
Tokyo, Japan
Non-tour event
Carpet (i) – $200,000 – 4S
Flag of the United States.svg Chris Evert
7–5, 6–2
Flag of the United States.svg Martina Navratilova Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Virginia Wade
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Evonne Goolagong Cawley

Colgate Series

Draw and seeding

Draw
Size
Min. Direct
Acceptances
Min.
Qualifiers
Min.
Wild Cards
Seeds
1613214
322641 [a] 8
4842428
64528416
96828616
1281128816

Wild cards for the tournament had to be given to either local players or players who had won Wimbledon, the US Open, the Virginia Slims or Colgate Series championships or were previous winners of the tournament. All tournaments used a seeded draw with the number of seeds depending on the draw size.

Points system

The tournaments of the Colgate International Series were divided into four groups – AAAA, AAA, AA and A – based on prize money. Points were allocated based on these groups and the finishing position of a player in a tournament. [3] The points allocation – with doubles points listed in brackets – was:

Group AAAA
Prize money at least $150,000
  • Champion: 160 (32)
  • Runner-up: 120 (24)
  • Semifinalist: 80 (16)
  • Quarterfinalist: 40 (8)
  • Round of 16: 20 (4)
  • Round of 32: 15 (3)
  • Round of 64: 10
Group AAA
Prize money at least $100,000
  • Champion: 120 (24)
  • Runner-up: 90 (18)
  • Semifinalist: 60 (12)
  • Quarterfinalist: 30 (6)
  • Round of 16: 15 (3)
  • Round of 32: 10 (2)


Group AA
Prize money at least $75,000
  • Champion: 80 (16)
  • Runner-up: 60 (12)
  • Semifinalist: 40 (8)
  • Quarterfinalist: 20 (4)
  • Round of 16: 10 (2)
  • Round of 32: 5


Group A
Prize money at least $35,000
  • Champion: 40 (8)
  • Runner-up: 30 (6)
  • Semifinalist: 20 (4)
  • Quarterfinalist: 10 (2)
  • Round of 16: 5

Points standings and bonus pool

No.Player namePoints
Singles
Bonus
Singles
Points
Doubles
Bonus
Doubles
Total
Bonus
1Flag of the United States.svg  Chris Evert  (USA)740$100,000$100,000
2Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Virginia Wade  (GBR)635$65,000100$7,500$72,500
3Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Kerry Reid  (AUS)560$45,000201$22,000$67,000
4Flag of the United States.svg  Martina Navratilova  (USA)540$35,000146$13,000$48,000
5Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg  Virginia Ruzici  (ROU)470$30,00092$6,000$36,000
6Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Evonne Goolagong Cawley  (AUS)450$25,00075$3,800$28,800
7Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Betty Stöve  (NED)445$22,500142$11,500$34,000
8Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Wendy Turnbull  (AUS)430$20,000168$16,000$36,000
9Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Regina Maršíková  (TCH)370$19,00055$2,500$21,500
10Flag of the United States.svg  Tracy Austin  (USA)310$17,000$17,000

The total bonus pool for the Colgate Series was $675,000, an increase of $75,000 compared to the previous year, and was divided over singles ($540,000) and doubles ($135,000). The 35 highest points ranking singles players and the top 20 in doubles qualified to receive a share of the bonus pool. The distribution ranged from $100,000 for the first placed singles player to $3,000 for the 35th placed player. The first placed doubles player received $22,000 bonus while the 20th placed player received $2,000. In order to be eligible for a share of the respective bonus pools players had to a) participate in a minimum of seven singles or three doubles tournaments and b) accept invitation for the series championships if qualified based on merit. Players who ended on equal points were ranked in order of the number of tournaments played. [3] [4]

Virginia Slims Circuit

Points standings and prize money

Combined prize money for singles and doubles events. The points, named 'Silver Ginny Points', were allocated as follows:

WTA Tour

Year-end rankings

Below are the 1978 WTA year-end rankings (December 10, 1978) in both singles and doubles competition:

Singles Year-end Ranking [5]
No.Player NameTMPoints1977Change
1Flag of the United States.svg  Martina Navratilova  (USA)188715.6603Increase2.svg 2
2Flag of the United States.svg  Chris Evert  (USA)105615.1921Decrease2.svg 1
3Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Evonne Goolagong Cawley  (AUS)114811.688NRNR
4Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Virginia Wade  (GBR)22929.8794Steady2.svg
5Flag of the United States.svg  Billie Jean King  (USA)10359.1832Decrease2.svg 3
6Flag of the United States.svg  Tracy Austin  (USA)14648.53112Increase2.svg 6
7Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Wendy Turnbull  (AUS)22798.1719Increase2.svg 2
8Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Betty Stöve  (NED)21727.3367Decrease2.svg 1
9Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Kerry Reid  (AUS)21797.11110Increase2.svg 1
10Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Dianne Fromholtz  (AUS)14397.0328Decrease2.svg 2
11Flag of the United States.svg  Rosie Casals  (USA)14386.2956Decrease2.svg 5
12Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg  Virginia Ruzici  (ROU)28906.09516Increase2.svg 4
13Flag of the United States.svg  Pam Shriver  (USA)12455.967NRNR
14Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Regina Maršíková  (TCH)32915.55920Increase2.svg 6
15Flag of the United States.svg  Kathy May  (USA)16384.70621Increase2.svg 6
16Flag of the United States.svg  Marita Redondo  (USA)17464.649NRNR
17Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg  Greer Stevens  (RSA)7154.62813Decrease2.svg 4
18Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg  Marise Kruger  (RSA)17314.55925Increase2.svg 7
19Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg  Mima Jaušovec  (YUG)20484.52711Decrease2.svg 8
20Flag of the United States.svg  Anne Smith  (USA)8284.161NRNR

Prize money leaders

No.Player NamePrize money
1Flag of the United States.svg  Chris Evert  (USA)$454,486
2Flag of the United States.svg  Martina Navratilova  (USA)$450,757
3Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Virginia Wade  (GBR)$300,027
4Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Kerry Reid  (AUS)$208,766
5Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Wendy Turnbull  (AUS)$189,583
6Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Evonne Goolagong Cawley  (AUS)$180,844
7Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Betty Stöve  (NED)$177,243
8Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg  Virginia Ruzici  (ROU)$151,379
9Flag of the United States.svg  Billie Jean King  (USA)$149,492
10Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Regina Maršíková  (TCH)$88,840

See also

Notes

  1. Two wild cards for tournaments organized outside the United States.

References

  1. 1 2 "WTA Tour Finals" (PDF). www.wtatennis.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-02-01. Retrieved 2012-07-14.
  2. "About the WTA". www.wtatennis.com. Archived from the original on 2012-09-20. Retrieved 2012-07-14.
  3. 1 2 John Barrett, ed. (1978). World of Tennis 1978 : a BP yearbook. London: Macdonald and Janes. pp. 139, 142–143. ISBN   9780354090391.
  4. John Dolan (2011). Women's Tennis 1968–84: the Ultimate Guide. Remous. p. 511.
  5. "Womens International Computer Rankings" (PDF). Women's Tennis Association (WTA). 10 December 1978.