Champs crowned at same-gender couples' doubles event

The winners have been crowned in the historic, inaugural same-gender couples’ doubles tournament held in Palm Springs, Calif., held March 7-8, marking the first time that this unique opportunity for same-gender spouses was held as a sanctioned USTA tournament.

Same-gender married couples, those in civil unions, domestic partners and other spousal equivalents can now compete in events that are open to players of all ages, as well as events in which their combined age is 80-and-over, 100-and-over and 120-and-over.

The event in Palm Springs, held at the Plaza Racquet Club, held five combined-age events (three for men and two for women).

“The USTA is thrilled with the success of this event,” said Katrina Adams, USTA Chairman of the Board, CEO and President. “The enthusiasm of the competitors – and the high level of competition – proves that these tournaments are an idea whose time has come. We look forward to offering more same-gender events as part of our efforts to make tennis more accessible to more people.”

Four other cities recognized the success of this event and will now hold their own throughout the spring and summer, including Kansas City, Minneapolis, New York and West Hollywood, Calif. More events will also be added in the coming months to the 2015 adult competition tennis calendar.

The new divisions can be found in the “Family Divisions” categories on Tennislink.

Nearly 92,000 players competed in adult USTA tournaments across all divisions in 2014. The USTA has added same-gender couples divisions as a way to continue growing adult tournaments while also promoting diversity and inclusion.

Teams winning championships in their respective divisions at the Palm Springs event include:

Same Gender Male Couples Doubles (Combo Ages 80 Years)
Deron Collins and John Weisner, Palm Springs, Calif.

Same Gender Male Couples Doubles (Combo Ages 100 Years)
Daily Doss and Charles Grigg, Palm Springs, Calif.

Same Gender Male Couples Doubles (Combo Ages 120 Years)
Bob Girard and Nabil Najjar, Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Same Gender Female Couples Doubles (Combo Ages 80 Years)
Christina Barhorst and Kelly Barhorst, Riverside, Calif.

Same Gender Female Couples Doubles (Combo Ages 120 Years)
Deborah Huntley and Betsy Nelson, Sarasota, Fla.