1973 Virginia Slims of Akron

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]

1973 Virginia Slims of Akron
DateMarch 19 – 25
Edition1st
CategoryGrand Prix (B class)
Draw16S / 8D
Prize money$25,000
SurfaceCarpet / indoor
LocationAkron, USA
VenueUniversity of Akron
Champions
Singles
Chris Evert
Doubles
Patti Hogan / Sharon Walsh

Start of Evert – Navratilova rivalry
Main article: 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

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

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.
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