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]
| 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 | |
Start of Evert – Navratilova rivalry
editIn 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
editSingles
edit 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
edit Patti Hogan / Sharon Walsh defeated Patricia Bostrom / 
Michèle Gurdal 7–5, 6–4
References
edit- ^ John Barrett, ed. (1974). World of Tennis '74 : a BP and Commercial Union yearbook. London: Queen Anne Press. pp. 130, 152. ISBN 9780362001686.
- ^ "Chris Evert Wins Akron Tennis Open". Schenectady Gazette. AP. March 26, 1973. p. 28.
- ^ a b John Dolan (2011). Women's Tennis 1968–84: the Ultimate Guide. Remous. pp. 150, 536, 546–547.