The second game was one for the ages and it brought the raucous crowd to its feet numerous times . Daescu and Tardio had three championship points on their paddles but were unable to convert them . With continually long rallies and back-and-forth lead changes , Frazier and Johnson found themselves on top 11-10 . Johnson eventually found an opening and hit a running smash to win it 12-10 and send the match to a deciding third game .
After that disappointing setback , it seemed like the wind came out of the sails for Daescu and Tardio in game three . With numerous unforced errors , they fell 11-1 in the final game . “ The momentum just went the other way . They started very well in game three and we tried to get back into it … but props to them . They ’ re competitive players ,” said Daescu .
“ I remember watching this tournament as a 3.5 player , working my way up the rankings ,” said Frazier , “ watching the men ’ s doubles action and being a fan — and hoping one day I could play on the Zing Zang Championship Court .”
Anna Leigh Waters is no longer a stranger to the top of the medals stand at the US Open , having won two more gold medals , and also fondly remembers when she first started coming to the event in Naples .
“ I was so nervous playing the first time on Championship Court that I was serving on the wrong side ,” she said laughingly . “ Actually , my first tournament here I played 4.0 at this facility , and I played with my grandfather . Just a lot of great memories and it ’ s always superspecial to play on Championship Court .” •
Dave Weinbach ( right ) in jubilation after winning Men ’ s Senior
Pro Doubles with partner Altaf Merchant .
PHOTO BY BELINDA DETTMAN
Drew Wathey is a published author and screenwriter (“ A Season With Hope ”) and former director of communications for the PGA Tour ’ s Phoenix Open . Wathey is the owner of SportsLink , a home-based sports public relations and marketing company . He is also a national sports anchor for iHeart Radio . His family lives in Phoenix , Arizona .
Lee Whitwell and Jaime Oncins dominated in a win against Chris Karges and Dave Weinbach for the gold in Mixed Senior Pro Doubles .
PHOTO BY BRUCE YEUNG ; IG : @ YEUNGPHOTOGRAPHY
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