1973 Virginia Slims of Akron


The 1973 Virginia Slims of Akron, also known as the Akron Tennis Open, was a women's tennis tournament played on indoor carpet courts at the University of Akron Memorial Hall in Akron, Ohio in the United States that was part of the 1973 Women's Grand Prix Circuit. It was the inaugural edition of the tournament and was held from March 19 through March 25, 1973. Chris Evert won the singles title and the accompanying $6,000 first-prize money.

Start of Evert – Navratilova rivalry

In the first round of the tournament Chris Evert played and won against Martina Navratilova in straight sets, 7–6, 6–3, after Navartilova had failed to serve out the first set at 6–5 and 30–0. It was their first encounter on the professional tour and the start of their rivalry which would comprise 80 matches and last until 1988.

Finals

Singles

defeated Olga Morozova 6–3, 6–4

Doubles

/ Sharon Walsh defeated Patricia Bostrom / Michèle Gurdal 7–5, 6–4