In the dynamic setting of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, the 2026 USTA National Women’s Senior Hard Court Tennis Championships kicked off, showcasing some of the most accomplished senior players in American tennis. The tournament, known for its open admission, is a highlight for fans and participants alike, making it a perfect backdrop for high-level competition.
Defending champion Julie Thu from Austin, Texas, demonstrated her formidable skills in the second round of the 50 and over singles bracket. Thu, the top seed and currently ranked No. 1 in the International Tennis Federation Singles 50+ Rankings, effortlessly defeated unseeded Leora Grimshaw from Mill Valley, California, with a commanding score of 6-0, 6-0. This victory propels her into the quarterfinals where she will encounter fifth-seeded Joanna Stewart from Bellevue, Washington, on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
“I’m feeling great and was really looking forward to playing this event again,” Thu commented post-match. “My opponent was lovely and we had some great rallies. It’s a competitive field this year, but I’m focused on taking one match at a time.”
In another strong showing, second-seed Amanda Parson Siegel of Santa Ana, California, also showcased her prowess. The two-time champion made quick work of unseeded competitor Amy Thompson from Redondo Beach, delivering a perfect score of 6-0, 6-0. Parson Siegel’s next challenge comes from fifth-seeded Joanne Price of Pasadena, scheduled for the same day at 11 a.m.
Not to be outdone, Vicki Buholz from Dallas, the top seed in the 60 and over singles category, continued her journey to defend her title. She overcame unseeded Shelly Bartlett Sweeney of Woodside, California, in a tense match that concluded with a score of 6-2, 7-6(8). Buholz’s next opponent will be fifth-seeded Lindsay Montero from Redwood City, with their match slated for Wednesday at 11 a.m.
The 70 and over division saw top-seeds Elizabeth Kuhle from Rancho Mirage and Una Davis from La Jolla both advance without losing a game. Kuhle defeated Barbara Pinkerton of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, while Davis dispatched Kathleen Culver from El Cajon, California, each with a score of 6-0, 6-0. Kuhle will challenge fifth-seeded Donna Drosner of Satellite Beach, Florida, and Davis will take on fifth-seed Ginny Beneke from San Diego in their quarterfinal matches.
In the 80 and over singles category, Elizabeth Barnhill from Madison, Wisconsin, secured a minor upset by knocking out former champion Catherine Anderson of Del Mar, California, with a score of 7-5, 7-5. Following a first-round bye, second-seeded Betty Wachob from Panama City, Florida, is set to play against unseeded Diane Link of Los Angeles.
The tournament, part of the International Tennis Federation’s World Tennis Masters Tour, offers individual singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competitions across various age categories from 30 to 90 years. It also coincides with the 53rd Annual Men’s Senior Championships, creating a vibrant atmosphere of competition and camaraderie across both genders.
The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club invites fans to support their favorite athletes and enjoy the festivities, with free admission granted daily. The schedule for the remainder of the week starts with matches at 8 a.m. from May 6-8, and at 9 a.m. on the weekend.
Tournament matches are streamed live from select courts, allowing tennis enthusiasts to follow the action virtually. Whether you are on-site enjoying the sea breeze or watching from home, the USTA National Women’s Senior Hard Court Tennis Championships promises an exhilarating display of skill and sportsmanship.
