USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Hosts Wheelchair Tournament
The 10th Annual Jana Hunsaker ITF Memorial wheelchair tournament began on June 10 with 55 participants from around the globe. "We have three players from Japan, one from France, four from Canada and one from Ghana," said Tournament Director Aki Takayama. Fifty men and five women will compete in the four-day event, culminating on Sunday with the finals at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
A highlight of the early tournament matches took place Thursday and featured top-ranked Japanese player, Masahiro Homna taking on French-Canadian, Eric Gilbert. Both players wheeled around the court with exceptional skill, hitting nice baseline shots and slicing backhands to the corners. In the end, Honma’s consistency wore Gilbert down and he was able to prevail in straight sets.
Players pay $75 for USTA letter division entry, which includes A, B, C and D skill levels. There is a charge of $125 for the Open Division entry fee. For $225, the players are able to utilize the player package, which includes hotel accommodations and a three-a-day meal plan. Costs also cover ticket prices to Yankees and Mets games and a special Saturday evening Banquet Dinner. The players will also get gold medallions to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the tournament.
Takayama said she was fortunate this year to get the number of players she did because of the state of the economy and the astronomical prices of airline tickets. "Because of injuries and traveling costs, we did not have our usual 65-70 player draw this year. Regardless, it will remain a very positive and fun event for all the players involved."
