Porsche Tennis Grand Prix - the 1970s: Tracy Austin dominates at will
The list of winners at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix saw only one name in the first four years: Tracy Austin , who made her debut in 1978 in Filderstadt when she was 15. And the three following titles too.
by tennisnet.com
last edit:
Apr 19, 2020, 12:38 pm
Anyone who is concerned with the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix these days knows that the traditional women's tournament will generally be held in the second half of April, in the fantastic atmosphere of the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart. First, however, when initiator Dieter Fischer realized his dream of a top-class WTA tournament in a German hall for the first time in 1978, when the women opened in late autumn.
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And none better than Tracy Austin. The American was only 15 when she prevailed against the Dutchwoman Betty Stöve in the final at the 1978 premiere, then still in Filderstadt. And with exactly this Stöve also won the title in double. The following year, Austin struck again - anyone who knew the qualities of final opponent Martina Navratilova on fast hall floors knows that the 6: 2 and 6: 0 from Austin was a sensation in this clarity.
And yet a rivalry developed between Navratilova and Austin that was to shape the early history of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: In 1981, Tracy Austin won her fourth and last title in the final against the legendary left-hander, a year later Martina Tracy dethroned with 6: 3 and 6: 3 most self. Navratilova was to collect a total of six titles in Filderstadt.
By the way, in 1979 there was a peculiarity: the first and only men's event. Wojtek Fibak prevailed in the final against Guillermo Vilas. However, not parallel to the women - but already in spring. So at an appointment when the world's best tennis players will be playing in Stuttgart.
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The tournament winners of the 1970s in Filderstadt
| year | Winner | Finalist | Result |
| 1978 | Tracy Austin | Betty Stöve | 6: 3, 6: 3 |
| 1979 | Tracy Austin | Martina Navratilova | 6: 2, 6: 0 |