Richmond WCT explained

Richmond WCT
Type:defunct
Founded:1966
Ended:1984
Editions:19
Location:Richmond, Virginia
Venue:Richmond Arena
Richmond Coliseum
Robins Center
Event Name:Fidelity Bankers Invitational
United Virginia Bank Tennis Classic
Tour:ILTF World Circuit (1966–1971)
WCT Tour (1972–1984)
Grand Prix (1978–1981)
Surface:Carpet / indoor

The Richmond WCT, also known by its sponsored names Fidelity Bankers Invitational and United Virginia Bank Tennis Classic, was a men's tennis tournament played in Richmond, Virginia in the United States founded in 1966 as the Richmond Invitational Indoor Championships .[1] The inaugural edition in February 1966 was a two-day event with eight player and without prize money. The first six editions, from 1966 through 1971, were invitational tournaments and were held at the Richmond Arena. The 1970 edition was the first one to offer prize money, namely $12,500. In 1972 the event became part of the World Championship Tennis (WCT) Tour and moved to the Richmond Coliseum.[2] All subsequent editions were held at the Coliseum except for the 1983 edition which was held at the Robins Center.[3] All editions were held on indoor carpet courts. Lou Einwick was the tournament chairman or director for all editions.

Finals

Singles

YearChampionRunner-upScore
1966 6–1, 6–2
1967 6–3, 8–6
1968 6–2, 6–1
1969 6–3, 10–12, 9–7
1970 Arthur Ashe (2)6–2, 13–11
1971 3–6, 6–2, 6–4
1972 2–6, 6–3, 7–5, 6–3
1973 Rod Laver (2)6–4, 6–3
6–2, 6–3
4–6, 6–4, 6–4
1976 Arthur Ashe (3)6–2, 6–4
3–6, 6–3, 6–4
6–3, 6–4
Björn Borg (2)6–3, 6–1
1980 6–1, 6–2
6–1, 3–1, RET.
1982 3–6, 6–3, 6–4, 6–3
1983 6–3, 7–5, 6–4
1984 John McEnroe (2)6–3, 7–6(9–7)

Doubles

YearChampionsRunners-upScore
1966 6–8, 8–6, 7–5
1967 6–1, 6–4
1968 6–4, 6–4
1969 8–6, 3–6, 7–5
1970 9–7, 6–2
1971[4] 7–6, 3–6, 7–6
1972 7–6, 7–6
1973 3–6, 6–3, 6–4
1974 6–3, 3–6, 7–6
7–6, 5–7, 7–6
1976 6–4, 7–5
1977 6–4, 6–4
1978 6–3, 7–5
1979 6–4, 6–3
1980 3–6, 6–3, 7–6
1981 3–6, 6–2, 6–3
1982 6–4, 6–2
1983 6–2, 6–4
1984 7–6, 6–2

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Passarell, Ashe Seeded 1 & 2 at Richmond . 21 November 2023 . . newspapers.com . 2 Feb 1968 . Salisbury, Maryland . 8 . en.
  2. News: John Packett . Tournament developed in decade . Richmond Times-Dispatch . January 26, 1975 . F-1, F-2, F-4 . Newspapers.com . limited.
  3. News: John Packett . Einwick pleased with tournament despite problems . Richmond Times-Dispatch . February 15, 1983 . C-2 . Newspapers.com . limited.
  4. News: . Nastase takes upset victory against Ashe . The Daily Times . Salisbury, Maryland . Associated Press . 1971-02-08 . 2015-10-12.