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‘All the World’s a Stage’ for Stephanie Dubois as she wins Canadian Battle of Troy

Posted by Admin on October 15, 2012
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DUBOIS WINS ALL-CANADIAN FINAL AT USTA OF TROY

By Rick Limpert

TROY, Ala., (Oct 14, 2012) –  One of Canada’s most famous exports, the  legendary rock band Rush, hit the Top 10 in 1981 with one of their  most famous songs, “Limelight.” For two Canadians in Troy, Alabama on  Sunday, they have ultimate goals of the “top-10” and “limelight”, but  first there was a singles final to play at the USTA Tennis Classic of Troy at the Lundsford Tennis Complex on the  campus of Troy University.

Stephanie Dubois and Sharon Fichman  took to the court in Troy, with Dubois holding a 2-0 career mark in  head-to-head matches and higher world ranking of 167 compared to Fichman at No. 198.

The early stages of the first set featured the  players trading breaks of serve until Fichman took command. Mixing in some drop shots with some slice approach shots, she took the first set  6-3.

Sharon Fichman,Troy Final (Photo: Rick Limpert)

With Dubois going frequently to the towel to combat the 95 degree temperatures on the court, she gathered some early momentum  in the second set to race out to a 3-0 lead. Fichman then found the  range and stormed back to take a 4-3 lead. Dubois then fired herself up with some positive vocal instructions to pull ahead and take the second set 6-4.

In an attempt to gather herself, Fichman made a clothing change to start the third set and it worked as she jumped out to a 2-0 lead.  Dubois then found form as the skies became overcast and the temperature dropped, kind of like an early  fall day in Canada. The rest of the set was back and forth, and after a  questionable baseline call that went against Fichman, Dubois went ahead  4-3. Another break of serve allowed Dubois the chance to serve the match out and she did just that, winning on an overhead smash 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

“I like playing here, the facility is nice and it’s good to  get my first tournament win of the year,” stated Dubois after the match.

Stephanie Dubois is the 2012 champ at the USTA Tennis Classic of Troy.

In Saturday’s doubles final, Angelina Gabueva and Arina Rodionova of Russia  defeated the Canadian pair of Fichman and Marie-Eve Pelletier 6-4, 6-4.

2012 Final Results

Singles:  Stephanie Dubois (CAN) def Sharon Fichman (CAN) 3-6, 6-4, 6-3
Doubles:  Gabueva(RUS)/Arina Rodionova (RUS) def Fichman (CAN) Pelletier (CAN) 6-4, 6-4

O Canada or Au Canada? Ontario’s Fichman to Face Quebec’s Dubois @TroyUSTA Final

Posted by Admin on October 13, 2012
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Canadian Invasion

‘CANADA DAY’ ON SUNDAY AT USTA TENNIS CLASSIC OF TROY

By Rick Limpert

TROY, Ala., (Oct 13, 2012) –  On a fall Saturday in Alabama, most of the  state is in college football mode as both Alabama and Auburn take to the field for huge football games. But tennis fans in Alabama made a statement on Saturday as well, as a good crowd turned out at the  Lundsford Tennis Complex on the campus of Troy University for a pair of semifinals in singles and the doubles championship match.

Tennis fans were treated to a day where veterans of the WTA Tour battled it out on a balmy, breezy day in central Alabama.

Even though Sharon Fichman and Michelle Larcher De Brito had never played each other, they were familiar with each other’s games and were prepared for a long and difficult match.

Your last photo of the tournament, MLDB Fans.

On this day, it was a story about unforced errors. Larcher De Brito committed double the unforced errors of Fichman during the match and you could tell both players really wanted it.

Moonballer Fichman (Photo: Rick Limpert)

Fichman ended up taking the match 6-3, 6-4, but she had to hold off a Larcher De Brito rally to earn the win.

“I was trying to mix it up with some higher balls, some flatter balls and make her keep moving her feet,” offered up Fichman, who is currently  ranked No. 198 in the world.

Sharon Fichman, Troy 2012 (Photo: Rick Limpert)

Fichman also noticed Larcher De Brito’s energy level drop at the end of the first set and she sensed that was her opportunity.

“I saw she was getting a little frustrated and that was a good sign for me.”

After Fichman put Canada up 1-0 on the board, Stephanie Dubois took the court representing The True North against tournament number two seed Edina  Gallovits-Hall of Romania.

Stephanie Dubois, Troy 2012 (Photo: Rick Limpert)

A close first set went the way of  Dubois 6-4, but the second set had a little of everything.  Some great shot-making, injury timeouts and an abundance of very long games.

Gallovits-Hall, sensing that she needed to make some changes, became more aggressive to match the shot-making of Dubois.

That kept her in the final set until 5-5 when Dubois raised her game yet another level to close it out 6-4, 7-5.

Dubois rejoiced silently knowing that a match with a fellow Canadian, and one  that hasn’t beaten her as of yet is on the docket for tomorrow.

It will be a battle of Canadians on Sunday in Troy, Alabama and I expect to see some “Maple Leafs” flapping in the wind.

In the doubles final, Angelina Gabueva and Arina Rodionova of Russia  defeated the Canadian pair of Fichman and Marie-Eve Pelletier 6-4, 6-4.

2012 Doubles Champs Gabueva and Rodionova (Photo: Rick Limpert)

@MichelleLBrito, Stephanie Dubois, Sharon Fichman, Edina Gallovits-Hall Celebrate Semifinal Berths @TroyUSTA

Posted by Admin on October 13, 2012
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Tournament Director Eric Hayes Celebrates a Birthday

A Day of Celebrations at Troy Tennis

By Rick Limpert

TROY, Ala., (Oct 12, 2012) –  Everywhere you turned on Friday at the Lundsford Tennis Complex on the campus of Troy University, there was a  celebration.

Players, coaches, fans and members of the media stopped by to wish tournament director and Troy University tennis coach  Eric Hayes a “Happy Birthday.”

Hayes’ birthday usually comes during tournament week and the USTA officials and tournament staff presented Hayes with a cake and a birthday song to start the  festivities. There was even a high school homecoming parade that passed by the tennis center with horses floats and bands.

Winners of the day’s matches, quarterfinals in the singles draw and semifinals in the doubles joined in the celebration as they came off the courts with a victory.

The first celebration of the day was in the Edina Gallovits-Hall camp as she ended the run of Norwegian upstart Ulrikke Eikeri.

Edina Gallovits-Hall (Photo: Rick Limpert)

For Atlanta resident Gallovits-Hall, it’s all about attitude.

“My attitude has been better this week than it has been the past two,” stated Gallovits-Hall, who has been ranked in the top-100 for much of  her career. “I’m just trying to enjoy every match that I can play.”

Gallovits-Hall treated the fans on this hot Alabama morning to some inspired tennis in the first set.

“I feel I played very well in the first set and wasn’t giving her anything,” summed up Gallovits-Hall.  “I will have to do that again in  the next round.”

Ulrikke Eikeri (Photo: Rick Limpert)

Joining Gallovits-Hall in the final four will be Sharon Fichman of Canada who defeated American Chi Chi Scholl 6-3, 6-4.  There appeared to be a lot of joy with the group of Canadians that are present this week in Troy.

In the other match involving an American player, Grace Min jumped out quickly on top-seeded Michelle Larcher De Brito, but De Brito kicked it into another gear down 5-4 in  the first set and won 7-6, 6-2.

“I stayed positive even though I was down and managed to be more aggressive,” said a happy Larcher De Brito.

Michelle Larcher DeBrito (Photo: Rick Limpert)

She plays Sharon Fichman of Canada tomorrow, and these two have never met.

“She’s a good player, she’s really consistent as well, so I need to stay calm and play my game.”

In the final singles quarterfinal, Stephanie Dubois took down Adriana Perez of Venezuela 6-7, 7-5, 6-2.

Some great matches, and more to come on Saturday and Sunday. Who will be celebrating?

Larcher de Brito and Min Bring A Games to Gameday @USTATroy

Posted by Admin on October 11, 2012
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Troy Cheerleaders (Photo: Rick Limpert)

THURSDAY IS ‘GAMEDAY’ AT THE USTA TENNIS CLASSIC OF TROY

By Rick Limpert

TROY, Ala., (Oct 11, 2012) –  On a college campus, there is no more important day to students, alumni and fans than “gameday.”

With a Thursday night football game against Western Kentucky on the Troy  University campus, the vibe carried over to the Lundsford Tennis Complex as it became “gameday” in a tennis sense with all 12 second round matches taking place in both singles and doubles at the USTA Tennis  Classic of Troy.

To honor the “gameday” theme in Troy, the Troy  University Cheerleaders and T-Roy, the mascot, paid a visit to the tennis complex and met with players, fans and officials.

The day  started with an interesting matchup between top-seeded Michelle Larcher  De Brito of Portugal and rising American Lena Litvak.

Michelle Larcher De Brito (Photo: Rick Limpert)

Larcher De  Brito showed why she’s a top-100 player, moving Litvak around the court and pounding forehands for winners on the crucial points.

Larcher De Brito prevailed 6-4, 6-2, but she said it wasn’t easy.

“My forehand has always been my strongest side. She made me hit a lot of  “inside-outs” and work the points to win them,” summarized a happy Larcher De Brito.

The star from Portugal says she’s happy to be winning rounds in Troy. “I love it here,” she said. “Great atmosphere and I don’t mind playing here at all.”

Michelle Larcher De Brito, Troy (Photo: Rick Limpert)

“It’s about the points and I’m close to being in the main draw at the Australian (Open), so I’ll play whenever I can.”

She also said she’s excited about the possibility of attending the Troy University football game on Thursday night.

In a much-anticipated battle of young American stars, Grace Min had a little too much for one of the top junior players in the country, Brooke Austin.

Min made very few unforced errors and Austin appeared  nervous throughout the one hour match as the Lawrenceville, Georgia  resident Min took it 6-2, 6-2.

Grace Min, Troy 2012 (Photo: Rick Limpert)

Min said she couldn’t remember ever playing Austin in a tournament before.

Next up for Min is Larcher De Brito. These two have split the two matches they’ve played in 2012.

“I’ve played her twice this year already, and she’s a great competitor,” explains Min. “I know I’m going to have to earn it.”

Second-seeded Edina Gallovits-Hall, a Romanian who lives in Atlanta, defeated Arina Rodionova.

Other singles winners included Chi Chi Scholl and Sharon Fichman.

One of the most watched matches of the afternoon was a doubles match between Troy University’s Hannah Toro and University of Virginia  student-athlete Maci Epstein.

Maci Epstein and Hannah Toro, Troy 2012 (Photo: Rick Limpert)

This college duo scored the biggest upset of the tournament when they defeated the second-seeded doubles team on Wednesday in three tough sets.

Unfortunately for  the fans that showed up in the afternoon heat, the college kids fell to an experienced Russian pair in Rodionova and Angelina Gabueva 6-4, 6-2.

Thursday also marked the second kid’s clinic of the week and about 100 area kids took a field trip from school to hit some tennis balls with the  professionals and then watch the tennis action.

“These kids are  getting to see and meet players from all over the world,” explains  tournament director and Troy University tennis coach Eric Hayes. “They  get away from school, eat some lunch with us and they will remember this day.”

The “gameday” theme continued into the night as the tennis tournament provided tickets and a tailgate for players, coaches and  officials to attend.

@TroyUSTA Underway; Min and Marino the Match “You Shouldn’t Miss”

Posted by Admin on October 9, 2012
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USTA TENNIS CLASSIC OF TROY, ALABAMA
MAIN DRAW MATCHES BEGIN AT TROY TENNIS CLASSIC

By Rick Limpert

TROY, Ala., (Oct 9, 2012) – On the heels of the USTA Tennis Classic receiving an award from the USTA for ten consecutive years of hosting a  professional event, the tournament got down to business on Tuesday as  qualifying wrapped up and the main draw began in earnest.

Eight  qualifying matches started the day and two Americans posted early wins.  Former Tennessee Volunteer player Natalie Pluskota of Sharpsburg,  Georgia and Chalena Scholl both won in straight sets.

Former top-ranked Canadian and WTA No. 38, Rebecca Marino advanced to the main draw with a 6-3, 6-4 win over American Keri Wong.

The main draw began with American Lena Litvak defeating wildcard entry Maci Epstein.

Maci Epstein

A three-hour plus marathon between Marie-Eve Pelletier of  Canada and Nicola Geuer of Germany ended with the Canadian pulling out a  3-6, 7-5, 6-4 win.

Pelletier pulled it out

The match of the day was quite a treat for the 150 or so tennis fans that cut school or ditched work to see two of the top junior girls in America battle for a spot in the second round.

Indianapolis’ Brooke Austin, the USTA National Open winner faced off with Allie Kiick of Plantation, Florida and finalist at the USTA National 18’s this  summer.

Kiick Couldn’t

Kiick got off to a fast start, jumping out to a 2-0 lead, but Austin stormed back and took the first set 6-3.  Austin relied on  her deep and flat groundstrokes to keep Kiick pinned behind the  baseline.  That was enough to pull off a 6-4 second set and the win.

Austin Prevails

In other action, top-seeded Michelle Larcher De Brito won her opening  round match by defeating Nicole Rottmann of Austria 6-3, 6-4.

Wednesday’s schedule is highlighted by an afternoon match featuring Grace Min of Lawrenceville, Georgia and Marino. Min is a former U.S. Open junior champ and is currently ranked No. 179 in the world. Min has had a lot of success at this level over the past two years.

“This is a  young American against an established veteran,” says tournament director Eric Hayes.  “It’s a contrast in styles and a match, that if you are in the area on Tuesday afternoon, you shouldn’t miss.”

Tuesday’s Results:

Starting at 10:00 WSQ Jelena PANDZIC (CRO) [10] Angelina GABUEVA (RUS) [1] 6-4 6-2
Starting at 10:00 WSQ Rebecca MARINO (CAN) [3] Keri WONG (USA) 6-3 6-4
Starting at 10:00 WSQ Natalie PLUSKOTA (USA) [11] Anne-Liz JEUKENG (USA) [5] 7-5 6-1
Starting at 10:00 WSQ Chalena SCHOLL (USA) [6] Amanda RODGERS (USA) 6-2 6-2
Starting at 10:00 WSQ Isabella ROBBIANI (PAR) [4] Emily J. HARMAN (USA) [12] 6-2 6-1
Starting at 10:00 WSQ Anamika BHARGAVA (USA) [8] Maria SMITH (USA) 6-2 6-3
Followed by WS Lena LITVAK (USA) Maci EPSTEIN (USA) 6-4 6-4
Followed by WS Marie-Eve PELLETIER (CAN) [6] Nicola GEUER (GER) 3-6 7-5 6-4
Followed by WSQ Vojislava LUKIC (SRB) [2] Nicola SLATER (GBR) [9] 6-3 7-5
Followed by WSQ Lauren ALBANESE (USA) [7] Sonja MOLNAR (CAN) [16] 6-3 7-6(4)
Followed by WS Brooke AUSTIN (USA) Alexandra KIICK (USA) 6-4 6-3
Followed by WS Michelle LARCHER DE BRITO (POR) [1] Nicole ROTTMANN (AUT) 6-3 6-4
Followed by WS Stephanie DUBOIS (CAN) [3] Maria ABRAMOVIC (CRO) 6-4 7-6(3)
Followed by WD Anamika BHARGAVA (USA) / Jelena DURISIC (SLO) Madeleine KOBELT (USA) / Amanda RODGERS (USA) 3-6 6-3 [10-6]
Followed by WD Maria-Fernanda ALVAREZ-TERAN (BOL) [3] / Maria- Ulrikke EIKERI (NOR) / Adriana PEREZ (VEN) 6-3 6-2
Followed by WD Chieh-Yu HSU (USA) / Chi Chi SCHOLL (USA) [4] Maria Andrea CARDENAS (VEN) / Nicola GEUER (GER) 6-1 6-2
Followed by WD Lena LITVAK (USA) / Natalie PLUSKOTA (USA) Brianna LASHWAY (USA) / Brooke LASHWAY (USA) 6-0 6-0

Brian Earley To Honor @TroyUSTA Tennis Classic

Posted by Admin on October 6, 2012
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TROY, Ala.– Since 2003, the best women tennis players in the world have been coming to Troy, Alabama to showcase their skills.

This year, Brian Earley, the Director of the USTA Pro Circuit and U.S. Open tournament referee will be coming to Troy for the 10th anniversary of this USTA Pro Circuit event.
Earley is expected to award those responsible for the Tennis Classic of Troy, a plaque commemorating a decade on the USTA Pro Circuit at 2pm on October 8.  A short press conference will follow the ceremony.

Tennis fans know the name Brian Earley.  He’s the tall and thin gentleman carrying the walkie-talkie you see at the U.S. Open making decisions when it comes to pulling the players off the court due to inclement weather. Earley began his career at the USTA in 1979 when he became a USTA Pro Circuit Supervisor. He joined the USTA Referee Staff at the US Open in 1981, becoming US Open Tournament Referee in 1993, a role he continues to fill today. In 1997 he was promoted to Director, USTA Pro Circuit. In this role, Brian is responsible for overall administration of all developmental professional tennis in this country. In addition to his work on the Pro Circuit & US Open, Brian has been the Referee for at least one Davis Cup tie per year since 1991 and has done several high–profile events, such as Australia vs. France in Sydney in 1996 and Chile vs. Slovakia in 2006.

Earley maintains a good sense of humor about everything

It’s a big honor for this world-class tennis event that is held in a small college town.

“The City of Troy has been a proud sponsor and host of The USTA Women’s Tennis Classic of Troy,” stated Sheila Jackson, Director of PR and Tourism for the City of Troy.  “The tournament has a huge impact on our community, the economic impact, the free clinics for the schools and the boys and girls club.”

Jackson also noted that the mayor and council of Troy are proud of this 10-year celebration and are looking forward to another great event.

Over the years, Troy has played host to such players as Americans: Christina McHale, Melanie Oudin, Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Irina Falconi.

Past champions include: Rebecca Marino (CAN), Alison Riske (USA), Anna Tatishvili (GEO) and Maret Ani (EST).

Again in 2012, many of the top tennis players in the world will be in Troy for the USTA Tennis Classic of Troy, Alabama, taking place October 6-14, 2012.

“It’s another great field,” said tournament director Eric Hayes.  Hayes is also the head tennis coach of the men’s and women’s teams at Troy University.

Headlining the field in 2012 are Edina Gallovits-Hall, a Romanian living in Atlanta that has been ranked as high as No. 54 in the world and has won 18 ITF Circuit titles.  Slated to be the No. 2 seed is Michelle Larcher De Brito from Portugal.  De Brito plays an exciting brand of tennis and has been ranked as high as No. 74 in the world.

Michelle Larcher de Brito

Joining these two will be a group of young Americans looking for a title and breakthrough. These include Chi Chi Scholl, Grace Min, and Chieh-Yu Hsu.

They are hoping that they can duplicate the results posted by the two singles finalists from 2011. Last year, Romina Oprandi of Italy defeated American Varvara Lepchenko in the finals, but both used Troy as a chance to improve their rankings and move on to bigger and better things in 2012. Lepchencko is one of the most improved players on the WTA Tour and she is now ranked No. 20 in the world.  Oprandi also has tasted success in 2012 and she sits at No. 64 in the rankings released on 9/24/12.

This tournament is unique in the fact that it takes place on a vibrant college campus and that it’s an event that the entire community of Troy gets behind.

“Every year we have a great field of competition from top to bottom,” stated Hayes. “We have unprecedented media coverage throughout the tournament, and I would like to thank them and our fans for putting our event on display.”

As with any USTA event, the kids are always included.

“Our kid’s clinics are always a success, and this year is no different,” boasted Hayes. “This tournament is a great boost to the economy, and we are blessed to have the USTA as a member of our community each year.”

The tournament offers $25,000 in prize money to the singles and doubles players and a 64-player qualifying tournament will take place during the opening weekend of the tournament.

Wildcards will be given out leading up to the start of the main and qualifying draws and they will join those that survive the qualifying tournament in the main draw with the 20 players that gained direct entry.

There will be a lot of tennis to be played the second week in October in Troy. Quite a few of these players have the potential to be the next stars in women’s tennis and Troy could once again be an important event on the fall tennis calendar.

2011 Final Results
Singles: Romina Oprandi (ITA) def Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 6-1, 6-2
Doubles:  Bovina/Savinykh (RUS/RUS) d. Lepchenko/Washington (USA/USA) 7-6(6) 6-3

–Rick Limpert