The 2009 Colorado State Open
Great Tennis and Much More . . .
Spectacular Tennis for the Spectators!
Best Tennis in Colorado in Many Years
On the men's side America's #25 ranked player, Nick Monroe, defeated Eastern Europe's Roman Borvanov in a tough three set battle. The women's final came down to two DU girls with freshman sensation Sophia Bergner defeating #1 seed and defending champion Ute Schnoy in straight sets. Go to the links below to see photos of the state open in action, photos of the champions and finalist, and all the draws.
Photos of Champions and Finalist
Article: 2009 Colorado State Open
Commercial about the Colorado State Open
First Ever "Tennis for Kids Day" a Big Hit!
Great Volunteers and 200 Kids made this day fun for all
The Colorado State Open kicked-off with an event introducing kids to this great game, similar to the "Arthur Ashe Kids Day" event that kicks-off the US Open. The event provided kids a chance to learn tennis, play tennis, watch tennis, win prizes, and more... Because of organizations and people that share a passion for tennis, such as Net Results, the DU tennis team, the METRO tennis team, JS-Performance, Babolat, Wilson, Head, Prince, Denver and Jefferson County Athletic directors, various local high schools, Vicky Matarazzo, Andy Zodin, Richard Abernathy, Maria Faber, and too many more to name, tennis in the Denver community continues to thrive for young and old alike.
Grand Champions Party was an Elegant Affair
Tony Trabert and Sam Hitman - Colorado State Champions
Tony Trabert, special guest, and Sam Hitman, co-Gates Director, are both Colorado State Open Champions - but that's about all they have in common regarding tennis accomplishments.....Sam was left speechless when Tony went on about championships at Wimbledon, French, the US Open, being #1 in the world, being a CBS US Open announcer for 30 years, President of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and his many other great tennis accomplishments. Other notables in attendance were Jeff Salzenstein, Jeff Loehr, Chris Jenkins, Melvin McCurley, Carey Brading, Rich Hillway, Mark Moyle, Art Thomson, Sheila Ohlsson, and Joanie Birkeland. Over 135 people were in attendance spanning over 7 decades of winners! The youngest champion in attendance was Natalie Dunn (2008 Women's Doubles Winner) but she's not old enough to toast her own victory at only 18 years old. Special recognition to Sheila Ohlsson (Washington DC) and Leon Marks (Arkansas) who traveled the furthest to get to the special party! And, special thanks to the great volunteer committee who helped organize everything and to Andy Zodin who was the master of ceremonies at the event. Gates was thrilled to host Tony and the many other former champions during the 2009 open.
