Some of the finest amateur doubles teams in tennis visited Wellington recently to determine who is the best in two versions of mixed doubles.
From Nov. 12-14, the Wellington Tennis Center hosted the United States Tennis Association’s annual Clay Court Family Doubles Championships. There were two competition divisions in the event: Mother/Son and Father/Daughter with 12 doubles teams in the Mother/Son division and 36 doubles teams in the Father/Daughter division.
The participants traveled from around the U.S. to play. Some traveled to Wellington from as far away as California and Oregon. Five of the doubles teams in the tournament were from the western communities.
Within the Mother/Son division, there were two age groups: Open (any age) and Seniors (age 60-plus). Within the Father/Daughter section, there were four age groups: Open (any age), Seniors (age 60-plus), Super Seniors (age 70-plus) and Ultra Seniors (age 80-plus).
According to Wellington Tennis Center head pro and tournament director Chuck Gill, the age of the oldest person on the doubles team was used to determine the division, unless a team decided to compete in the open division, where there were no age limitations. The oldest competitor was a 92-year-old father, and the youngest competitor was a 12-year-old daughter.
“The weather was great, the players enjoyed the competition, and the venue was perfect,” Gill said. “We had plenty of parking, and we would love to host this event again next year.”
Each day, matches started as early as 8:30 a.m. and finished no later than 6:30 p.m.
As a way to recognize the players for participating in the tournament and celebrate the event being held in Wellington, a dinner was held at the venue underneath a big tent on Saturday night. Among those present to welcome the players to Wellington was Mayor Anne Gerwig and Councilwoman Tanya Siskind.
One of the competitors who had a great time was Dave Martin of Chicago.
“The venue was superb, and the tournament was run at a very efficient and effective level,” he said. “The staff was helpful and gracious, and the courts were spectacular and in great shape. I have had the opportunity to play throughout the country, and I believe that this is one of the finest facilities I have had the good fortune to play at. The playing surface is delightful to play on, but difficult to maintain. On each day of play, the courts were beautifully groomed and in perfect shape. I know it is difficult and time consuming to host a tournament, but I hope Wellington will continue to do so.”
While none of the five doubles teams from the western communities won any of the age group competitions, one of the local tennis players was awarded the Sportsmanship Award. It was presented to Sachin Katragadda, who played in the Open division of the Mother/Son section with his mother Ria Katragadda.
The overall winners were Kenny and Ana Torrellas from Westin, Florida, in the Father/Daughter Open; Kathryn and Christian Settles from Claremont, California, in the Mother/Son Open; Suzanne and Cameron Nash from Dallas, Texas, in the Mother/Son Seniors; Jerry and Becky Morse Karzen from Wilmette, Illinois, in Father/Daughter Seniors); Dave and Ashley Martin from Barrington, Illinois, in the Father/Daughter Super Seniors; and Ben and Spencer Shefler from Moorman, Kentucky, in the Father/Daughter Ultra Seniors.
Sponsors included Wilson Sporting Goods, Humana, the Village of Wellington, Stretch Zone and Professional Tennis Courts of Florida.
Sachin Katragadda, shown with his mother Ria, received the Sportsmanship Award. Photo by Duane Hamilton
