NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour Packs Weekend

The NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour had a number of cities around the world hosting high energy competitions on the court. The tour this year has brought out top athletes in this Paralympic sport, giving spectators a chance to witness all the action.

Already in the period between 15-19 April, three cities hosted the tournament on three different continents.

In Europe, the Martigny Indoor 2009 took place from 17-19 April in Switzerland. On the green carpet, Thomas Mossier from Austria dominated the Men’s Singles, winning 6-0 and 6-3 against Daniel Pellegrina from Switzerland. The Women’s Singles saw Pamila Grangier from Switzerland reclaim the home turf against Simona Rusnak-Schmid, winning 6-0 and 6-4.

The Men’s Doubles had the duo Sebastian Husser (FRA) and Daniel Pellegrina (SUI) defeat Austria’s Thomas Mossier and Johannes Steiner 6-4 and 6-3. The Women’s Doubles had Pamila Grangier (SUI) and Debbie Thomas (GBR) defeat Debbie Brazier (GBR) and Anna Tarkowski (GBR) 6-1 and 6-1.

In South America, the Chilean Open 2009 took place from 16-19 April. The clay surface outdoors brought fierce competition, with Gustavo Fernandez from Argentina winning 6-2 and 6-3 against compatriot Oscar Diaz in the Men’s Singles. The Women’s Singles had the host country’s own Maria-Antonieta Ortiz defeat Andrea Medrano (ARG) 6-2 and 6-0.

The Men’s Doubles saw Argentinian pair Diaz and Fernandez lose against Niclas Larsson (SWE) and Robinson Mendez (CHI). The Quad Singles had Peru’s Martin Ordones defeat Chile’s Viktor Saiz 6-1 and 6-1.

Finally, in North America, the Pensacola Open 2009 took place from 15-19 April, with thrilling sets to complement the beautiful beach town. Stephane Houdet from France defeated compatriot Michael Jeremiasz 6-2 in both sets in the Men’s Singles. In the Women’s Singles, Paralympian Korie Homan (NED) won against Florence Gravellier (FRA) in a strong battle that ended 7-6. Homan was also part of the winning Women’s Doubles pair. Together with Aniek Van Koot (NED), they defeated Gravellier and Lucy Shuker (GBR).

The Men’s Doubles saw Martin Legner (AUT) and Paralympian Stefan Olsson (SWE) defeat Dutch pair Maikel Scheffers and Ronald Vink in the 7-5 final set.