Bournemouth triumph in Over 75s for Felicity Thomas
East Glos tennis member Felicity Thomas has won both singles and doubles Over 75s titles in the British Clay Courts Championships held in Bournemouth last week. Played on green clay, it was her second Grade A event within three weeks.
She beat Nanda Fischer (Germany) 6-2 6-0. Felicity says she felt really confident and played at the top of her game. For a prolonged period last year, Nanda headed the ITF rankings. Though Felicity has partnered her in doubles, they have only played one another four times – once in 2006, but with Felicity winning three times since May 2016. Partnering Ruth Weston (Surrey), they beat Marcia Ackers (Kent) and Joan Hassell (Suffolk) 6-2 6-2.
Felicity’s singles ranking is now fifth, one above Nanda, but she has risen to fourth in doubles.
These higher-ranked events are attracting top quality competitors from abroad. Overseas players featured in eight out of 11 men’s singles finals and in five of the women’s. Selection for the World Team Championships takes place following this competition.
Felicity has subsequently been selected to play for the Great Britain Over 75’s team in the Super Seniors World Championships to be held in October at Lake Nona, Orlando. It will take place at the recently opened US Tennis Association Campus. There are over 100 courts using different surfaces, but the Championships are expected to be played on green clay. The other members of the team will be Joan Hassell, Ruth Weston and Jackie Boothman (Dorset).
Photo: Nanda Fischer (L) Felicity Thomas (R)
Photo: L- R Felicity Thomas, Joan Hassell, Marcia Ackers, Ruth Weston.
