The 43rd annual United States Tennis Association National Men’s and Women’s 40 Hard Court Championships is November 30 through December 6 at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.
The USTA national tournament will feature men’s and women’s singles and doubles divisions as well as a mixed doubles event. Competition is open to players 40 and over (players must reach or exceed the age of 40 at any time in this calendar year to be eligible). Participants will include former touring pros and the nation’s strongest players in this age group.
All interested players should go to the following link for the latest entry information: http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=153472
Two-time defending men’s singles champion Tony Bujan of Tustin, Calif., is entered in this year’s tournament. Bujan, a three-time All-American at Texas Christian University in the early 1990s, will attempt to win the singles championship for the third year in a row, a feat that has not been accomplished since Peter Smith, University of Southern California men’s tennis head coach, won the title from 2005 to 2007.
“I don't really think about winning the tournament three times in a row. I just love to compete and I try not to think about winning or losing for that matter. I focus on trying to play well,” said Bujan, an Orange County-based teaching professional. “It always feels good to return to the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club simply because it's such a beautiful place. Having won there twice has helped create some positive memories as well. It's hard not to play well there. The tournament is exceptionally well-run.
Also on the tournament agenda is the USTA National Father/Son and Grandfather/Grandson Hard Court Doubles Championships beginning Friday, Dec. 4, with matches concluding Sunday, Dec. 6. The Father/Son championship has been held continuously at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club since 1959, and attracts the top father and son tennis teams in the nation. The Grandfather/Grandson Championship is a relatively new competitive division that started at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club just a few years ago.
The Father/Son draw will be highlighted by the entry of Jonathan Stark, a former No. 1 doubles player in the world, who captured the French Open doubles title in 1994 and the Wimbledon mixed doubles crown in 1995. Stark is scheduled to play doubles with his son, Charles.
A special Jr. Father/Son event, played in conjunction with the Father/Son tournament, will also take place during the final weekend. The Jr. Father/Son draw is open to fathers with sons, who are 10 and under. Those interested in playing in the event, should contact LJB&TC Director of Tennis Conan Lorenzo at CLorenzo@LJBTC.com or (858) 551-4605.
“The Jr. Father/Son tournament is an unsanctioned local demonstration event, but we think it will be a lot of fun and should help kids get ready for playing the main event in the future,” said Tournament Director Bill Kellogg. “Those matches will be played on short courts with shortened match formats. The emphasis will be on fun.”
Spectator admission for all divisions is free and on-site parking is available for a nominal fee.
Recently designated one of the Top 100 Tennis Resorts in the world by Tennis Resorts Online, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club's reputation as a top tennis destination started in 1942 when it attracted its first major tournament, the Pacific Coast Men's Doubles Championship. The Club will be hosting the 127th edition of The Pacific Coast Mens’ Doubles Championships in March 2016, and the USTA National Hard Court Championships for Womens’ 50-90 age groups in May 2016.
In honor of the USTA National Hard Court Championship, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club’s sister property, the La Jolla Shores Hotel, will be offering special room rates to the general public starting at $209 per night*.
To make reservations or for more information, please call 877.346.8842.
About the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, Inc. – The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company dedicated to the operation of a 14-acre beachside resort. The resort includes three properties, including the exclusive La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, the 128-room La Jolla Shores Hotel and The Marine Room restaurant. Resort amenities include 14 championship tennis courts, a nine-hole par-3 golf course, two swimming pools, two additional oceanfront restaurants and cocktail lounges, and one of Southern California’s only private beaches. For more information visit www.LJBTC.com.
*Subject to availability. Rate does not include tax and assessments.
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