Two bronze medals for East Glos player Felicity Thomas
East Glos member Felicity Thomas has returned with two bronze medals from the Super Seniors World Tennis Championships in Umag, Croatia.
Playing number one for Great Britain in the Over 75s, she was disappointed to lose against France, but they reached the play-offs, losing against USA who took gold for at least the seventh consecutive year.
The deciding match for the bronze medal was against Germany. Her GB number two had to retire at one set all, leaving Felicity to play an “all or nothing” match against world number one (Nanda Fischer). Felicity won 6-4, 6-4.
Felicity and Ruth Weston (Surrey) had to win the deciding doubles against Nanda (also number one in doubles) and her 14th ranked partner. They did so 6-0, 6-0.
The British team was delighted with this victory, a very satisfying end to a demanding week. Felicity had to play number 1 singles against five countries in six days. Over 400 men and women between 65 and 80 took part, representing 25 countries. GB players included Mark Cox and Roger Taylor, former Davis Cup and top 20 players.
The second week is devoted to individual events. None of Felicity’s three team-mates were able to stay, for differing reasons. One reason is the rescheduling – originally to be in Turkey in October. Another may be cost – entry fee £95, accommodation and food for a week, travel, physiotherapy, etc.
Felicity paired up with an Australian for the doubles, but were drawn against a USA pairing who had won the world title seven times, and they lost in straight sets. In mixed, she and Roy Henderson (Hampshire) lost in the first round to the No. 2 seeds. Her draw in the singles was more favourable, helped by her number four seeding.
Unfortunately, the gruelling schedule affected her arm and she needed physiotherapy sessions to prepare her to play her first-ever semifinal in the World Championships. Despite having to serve underarm, and in pain if she lifted her arm above shoulder level, she almost forced a third set decider but had to settle for bronze.
Felicity’s singles world ranking is now three, it was five prior to tournament) and doubles is five (four before). She had planned to play a Grade A event in Mallorca this week, but has had to withdraw to recover from her injury.
Photo: Felicity Thomas after the prize giving ceremony with her second bronze medal.
Photo: GB Over 75’s team – left to right – Ruth Weston (Surrey), Felicity Thomas, Jean Porter (Surrey), Joan Hassell (Suffolk).
