The 2026 USTA National Women’s Senior Hard Court Championships are heating up in La Jolla, California, as top-ranked players demonstrate exceptional skill and determination under sunny skies. This annual event, offering free admission to fans, has seen an array of stunning performances as the tournament moves into the semifinal rounds.
In the 50 and over singles division, defending champion Julie Thu, the top seed from Austin, Texas, showcased her formidable baseline prowess, overpowering fifth-seeded Joanna Stewart of Bellevue, Washington, with a decisive score of 6-2, 6-3. This victory sets Thu up for a challenging semifinal against fourth-seeded Dina McBride of Thousand Oaks, California, a former champion looking to regain her title.
Also making strides in the 50 and over category is Amanda Parson Siegel, the second seed and two-time champion from Santa Ana, California. She advanced by defeating Joanne Price of Pasadena, California, with a score of 6-2, 6-2. Parson Siegel will face third-seeded Kathryn Settles of Claremont, California, in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
Switching to the 60 and over singles draw, the reigning champion Marianne Dundon, seeded fifth, faced an unexpected exit, losing to the second-seed Kathy Archibald of Dana Point, California, with a score of 6-1, 6-3. Meanwhile, top seed Vicki Buholz of Dallas staged a remarkable comeback against Lindsay Montero, overcoming a first-set loss to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. Buholz will now meet third-seeded Jennifer Rens of La Jolla in the semifinals, while Archibald takes on unseeded Judy Newman of Felton.
In the 70 and over singles quarterfinals, Elizabeth Kuhle, the top seed from Rancho Mirage, California, demonstrated her class by dispatching fifth-seeded Donna Drosner of Satellite Beach, Florida, in just 46 minutes, 6-1, 6-2. Kuhle, who holds a ranking of No. 40 in the International Tennis Federation’s 70+ rankings, expressed her satisfaction following the match, emphasizing the joy of competing and the spirit of tennis at this stage of life. She is set to go up against former champion Andrea Barnes in the semifinals.
The second round of the 80 and over singles category saw top seed Susan Kimball from Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, advance following a walkover as Claire Babbitt withdrew from the competition due to injury. Second-seeded Betty Wachob from Panama City, Florida, also moved ahead with a solid 6-0, 6-2 win over Diane Link from Los Angeles. On Thursday, Kimball will clash with unseeded Charleen Hillebrand, while Wachob takes on Brenda Winstead, both matches promising to be highly competitive.
As the tournament approaches the weekend, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club offers attendees the chance to witness thrilling tennis matches, with all action streamed live from the courts. With on-site dining options and convenient parking, fans are encouraged to enjoy the atmosphere and witness some of the finest talents in senior tennis as they strive for championship glory. Matches resume early Thursday morning, with the excitement only set to grow in the quest for the coveted titles.
