American athletes persist in demonstrating that tennis transcends generations as the ideal lifelong sport on the global platform after capturing multiple titles this month in Mexico City, Mexico.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Championships is the pinnacle of the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour, providing competitive opportunities on the world stage for players from the 30+ to 90+ age categories at both team and individual level. The 65-and-up to 85-and-up divisions competed earlier this year in Antalya, Turkey.

The ITF Masters 50, 55, and 60 World Team Championships took place from April 28 to May 3 in Mexico City. The event saw a total of 101 teams–from nations in every region across the globe–compete in the Mexican capital for the ultimate award: a World Championship gold medal. 

An array of ITF Masters stars represented their countries, including a number of former ATP and WTA players. Southern California accounted for five of the 24 players representing the U.S. across the various divisions in the team events.

This tournament mirrors the prestige and fervor of the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup competitions, with elite American tennis talents showcasing their prowess across the 50-, 55-, and 60-and-over age categories.

The United States emerged as the sole multiple-title victor amidst a backdrop of gripping encounters in the international tennis arena. Their triumph commenced with a resounding victory over Italy in the Maureen Connolly Cup final for Women’s 55 & Over, marking their first gold of the day. In a match characterized by tension and tenacity, Julie Cass showcased her prowess by overcoming Katy Agnelli in a thrilling 4-6 6-1 7-6 showdown. Debbie Spence-Nasim further solidified the American dominance with a commanding 6-3 7-5 triumph over Simona Isidori in the No. 1 singles, securing the coveted gold for Team USA. This triumph crowned a remarkable week for the Americans, who navigated their path to victory without conceding a single rubber, culminating in lifting the trophy with aplomb.

In a dramatic showdown against France for the Von Cramm Cup (Men’s 60 & Over), the USA claimed victory in a tension-filled battle. Long Beach’s Peter Smith set the tone for the American campaign by defeating Arnaud Deleval with a stellar performance of 6-4, 7-6, propelling his team into the lead. Despite France’s valiant efforts, spearheaded by Franck Hervy’s commanding victory over Bill Moss in the No. 1 singles, the Americans remained undeterred. The highlight of the day unfolded in a captivating doubles decider, where the USA secured the M60 crown with a thrilling victory over France. In a match filled with adrenaline and skill, Smith and doubles specialist Polo Cowan emerged triumphant against Hervy and Alain Coffe with a hard-fought 3-6, 6-3, 10-5 victory, thereby clinching the title from their formidable opponents.

“It’s nice to have lifetime tennis memories in your 60th year,” exclaimed Peter Smith. “It’s incredible to represent the greatest team – Team USA. We fought as a team down 4 team match points in the semis against Spain. We had such an amazing fight with incredible comebacks. To hear advantage United States in the finals was very special.”

The USA found themselves facing a familiar opponent as Germany repeated their 2023 victory in the final of the Alice Marble Cup (Women’s 60 & Over). Once again, Fran Chandler and Vicki Buholz squared off against Kerstin Garcia and Helga Nauck, replicating the singles match-ups from the previous year’s encounter.

The tournament is the tennis equivalent of the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup competitions, with top American tennis players representing their country in the 50-, 55- and 60-and-over age groups.

Below is a list of players representing the United States in each division with results. 

ITF WORLD TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS:

Fred Perry Cup – Men’s 50 & Over
Art Hernandez, Huntington Beach, Calif.- Captain
Neel Grover, Laguna Beach, Calif.
Sean Straley, Sugar Land, Texas
Willie Dann, Denver, N.C.

Maria Esther Bueno – Women’s 50 & Over
Amanda Parson-Siegel, Henderson, Nev. – Captain
Heather Waters, Clinton, N.C.
Isabela Iantosca, Delray Beach, Fla.
Julie Silveira, Orinda, Calif.

Austria Cup – Men’s 55 & Over
Dana Gill, San Jose, Calif. – Captain
Eoin Collins, Houston, Texas
Oren Motevassel, Delray Beach, Florida
Vivek Varma, Mercer Island, Washington

Maureen Connolly Cup – Women’s 55 & Over
Debbie Nasim, Cardiff, Calif.
Jenny Klitch, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Julie Cass, Austin, Texas
Ros Nideffer, Queen Creek, Arizona – Captain

Von Cramm Cup – Men’s 60 & Over
Bill Moss, Malibu, Calif. – Captain
Peter Smith, Long Beach, Calif.
Polo Cowan, Tiburon, Calif.
Thomas Coulton, Hilton Head, S.C.

Alice Marble Cup – Women’s 60 & Over
Christine Paulsen, Sandia Park, N.M.
Frances Chandler, Jackson, Tenn. – Captain
Gail Coffey Prejean, Dallas, Texas
Vicki Buchholz, Dallas, Texas

The ITF Masters World Individual Championships followed the team competition on May 4-11 at the same site, with American players winning 4 titles across Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

Bill Moss, hailing from the sun-kissed shores of Malibu, California, freshly triumphant from his recent victory in the prestigious Von Cramm Cup, gracefully took to the courts for the Men’s 60+ Singles. However, his journey was halted in the semifinals by the skilled John P Saviano, who emerged victorious over Moss.

Click the links below for all 50-55-60 Team Cup results:
Maria Esther Bueno Cup(W50)
Maureen Connolly Cup(W55)
Alice Marble Cup (W60)
Fred Perry Cup (M50)
Austria Cup (M55)
Von Cramm Cup (M60)

You can find the full results from the Individual Champions here: 50-60 World Individual Championships Draws and Results.