Former Wimbledon Semifinalists Expected in Phoenix for Inaugural Goldwater Women's Tennis Classic

PETE ZIEBRON

 

Professional tennis returns to the Valley on November 8 as the Goldwater Women's Tennis Classic debuts at the Phoenix Country Club.   

 

Tournament Director Sara Stablein explains "The event will bring 64 women ranked 60 and above in the world.  Arizona is a great place to be in November and we know this event will bring in tennis enthusiasts and boost Valley tourism.  But we want locals to know that this is a fantastic event to bring the family to as well."   

 

Ironically, the tournament is expected to feature two of the four 1999 Wimbledon semifinalists: Alexandra Stevenson and Mirjana Lucic.  Lucic also won the 1998 Australian Open doubles title with Martina Hingis. 

 

Meanwhile, the tourney also highlights newer local tennis upstarts, such as 16 year old Nicole Melichar of Gilbert.  Melichar won four Wild Card matches in two days last weekend to guarantee a place in the main draw, defeating Valley native Yawna Allen in three sets in the Wild Card Final to secure the berth.  Allen, who played collegiate tennis at Oklahoma State University, earned a spot in the qualifying draw with her Wild Card finalist result. 

 

The Goldwater Tennis Classic gets underway this Sunday morning with qualifying rounds.  Sunday is also Community Day, featuring free admission and clinics for young tennis players.  Qualifying continues on Monday and play in the main draw begins on Tuesday. The action on Wednesday is free for the military as well as for veterans.  The tournament continues throughout the rest of the week, featuring quarterfinal action on Friday, the semifinals on Saturday and the Final on Sunday.

 

 

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the after school tennis programs of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley.  For additional information about the 2009 Goldwater Women's Tennis Classic, visit www.goldwaterwomensclassic.org