Tournament Director Eric Hayes Celebrates a Birthday

A Day of Celebrations at Troy Tennis

By Rick Limpert

TROY, Ala., (Oct 12, 2012) –  Everywhere you turned on Friday at the Lundsford Tennis Complex on the campus of Troy University, there was a  celebration.

Players, coaches, fans and members of the media stopped by to wish tournament director and Troy University tennis coach  Eric Hayes a “Happy Birthday.”

Hayes’ birthday usually comes during tournament week and the USTA officials and tournament staff presented Hayes with a cake and a birthday song to start the  festivities. There was even a high school homecoming parade that passed by the tennis center with horses floats and bands.

Winners of the day’s matches, quarterfinals in the singles draw and semifinals in the doubles joined in the celebration as they came off the courts with a victory.

The first celebration of the day was in the Edina Gallovits-Hall camp as she ended the run of Norwegian upstart Ulrikke Eikeri.

Edina Gallovits-Hall (Photo: Rick Limpert)

For Atlanta resident Gallovits-Hall, it’s all about attitude.

“My attitude has been better this week than it has been the past two,” stated Gallovits-Hall, who has been ranked in the top-100 for much of  her career. “I’m just trying to enjoy every match that I can play.”

Gallovits-Hall treated the fans on this hot Alabama morning to some inspired tennis in the first set.

“I feel I played very well in the first set and wasn’t giving her anything,” summed up Gallovits-Hall.  “I will have to do that again in  the next round.”

Ulrikke Eikeri (Photo: Rick Limpert)

Joining Gallovits-Hall in the final four will be Sharon Fichman of Canada who defeated American Chi Chi Scholl 6-3, 6-4.  There appeared to be a lot of joy with the group of Canadians that are present this week in Troy.

In the other match involving an American player, Grace Min jumped out quickly on top-seeded Michelle Larcher De Brito, but De Brito kicked it into another gear down 5-4 in  the first set and won 7-6, 6-2.

“I stayed positive even though I was down and managed to be more aggressive,” said a happy Larcher De Brito.

Michelle Larcher DeBrito (Photo: Rick Limpert)

She plays Sharon Fichman of Canada tomorrow, and these two have never met.

“She’s a good player, she’s really consistent as well, so I need to stay calm and play my game.”

In the final singles quarterfinal, Stephanie Dubois took down Adriana Perez of Venezuela 6-7, 7-5, 6-2.

Some great matches, and more to come on Saturday and Sunday. Who will be celebrating?