1973 Akron Tennis Open
| 1973 Virginia Slims of Akron | |
|---|---|
| Date | March 19 – 25 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Category | Grand Prix (B class) |
| Draw | 16S / 8D |
| Prize money | $25,000 |
| Surface | Carpet / indoor |
| Location | Akron, USA |
| Venue | University of Akron |
| Champions | |
| Singles | |
 Chris Evert | |
| Doubles | |
| Patti Hogan / Sharon Walsh | |
The 1973 Virginia Slims of Akron, also known as the Akron Tennis Open, was a women's tennis tournament played on indoor carpet courts at the University of Akron Memorial Hall in Akron, Ohio in the United States that was part of the 1973 Women's Grand Prix Circuit (B class). It was the inaugural edition of the tournament and was held from March 19 through March 25, 1973. Chris Evert won the singles title and the accompanying $6,000 first-prize money.[1][2][3]
Start of Evert – Navratilova rivalry
In the first round of the tournament Chris Evert played and won against Martina Navratilova in straight sets, 7–6(5–1), 6–3, after Navartilova had failed to serve out the first set at 6–5 and 30–0. It was their first encounter on the professional tour and the start of their rivalry which would comprise 80 matches and last until 1988.[3]
Finals
Singles
Chris Evert defeated 
Olga Morozova 6–3, 6–4
Doubles
Patti Hogan / Sharon Walsh defeated Patricia Bostrom / 
Michèle Gurdal 7–5, 6–4
References
- ^ John Barrett, ed. (1974). World of Tennis '74 : a BP and Commercial Union yearbook. London: Queen Anne Press. pp. 130, 152. ISBN 9780362001686.
- ^ "Chris Evert Wins Akron Tennis Open". Schenectady Gazette. AP. March 26, 1973. p. 28.
- ^ a b John Dolan (2011). Women's Tennis 1968–84: the Ultimate Guide. Remous. pp. 150, 536, 546–547.