1970 Pepsi-Cola Masters Explained

See main article: ATP Finals.

The 1970 Masters (also known as the 1970 Pepsi-Cola Masters for sponsorship reasons)[1] was a tennis tournament played on indoor carpet courts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. It was the first edition of the year-end Masters Grand Prix and was held from December 9 through December 15, 1970. The event included a singles and doubles draw, both of which were held in a round robin format. Stan Smith won the first singles title and then partnered Arthur Ashe to the doubles title as well.

The best six players from the 1970 Grand Prix circuit ranking qualified for the singles event. Cliff Richey, the winner of the Grand Prix ranking, could not participate due to illness. John Newcombe was the first replacement as the number seven ranked but was unable to play which meant that Jan Kodeš, ranked eight, completed the field.[2] Stan Smith won the singles title in the round robin format and earned $15,000 first-prize money.[3]

Finals

Singles

See main article: 1970 Pepsi-Cola Masters – Singles. Stan Smith won a round robin competition also featuring Arthur Ashe, Željko Franulović, Jan Kodeš, Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall.

Doubles

See main article: 1970 Pepsi-Cola Masters – Doubles. Arthur Ashe / Stan Smith won a round robin competition against the teams of Jan Kodeš / Rod Laver and Željko Franulović / Ken Rosewall.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Collins . Bud . Bud Collins . The Bud Collins History of Tennis: An Authoritative Encyclopedia and Record Book . Year-End Championships . New Chapter Press . October 2010 . New York . 746 . 978-0-942257-70-0.
  2. Book: World of Tennis '71. 1971. Queen Anne Press. London. 978-0-362-00091-7 . John Barrett. 134.
  3. News: Smith Bows to Ashe, but Wins Round-Robin Tennis in Tokyo. The New York Times. 15 December 1970.