From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Women's tennis circuit
The 1981 Avon Championships World Championship Series was the 9th season since the foundation of the Women's Tennis Association . It commenced on January 4, 1981, and concluded on December 19, 1981, after 36 events. The Avon Championships World Championship Series was the elite tour for professional women's tennis organised by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA). The year is divided into two sponsors with the first three months sponsored by Avon Series and the latter part by Toyota Series. It included the four Grand Slam tournaments and a series of other events. ITF tournaments were not part of the tour, although they awarded points for the WTA World Ranking.
The table below shows the 1981 WTA Tour schedule.
Key
Grand Slam tournaments
WTA championships
Avon Championships Circuit
Toyota Series
Team events
Week
Tournament
Champions
Runners-up
Semifinalists
Quarterfinalists
12 Jan
Avon Championships of Kansas Kansas City , United States Avon Championships Circuit Carpet (i) – $150,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Andrea Jaeger 3–6, 6–3, 7–5
Martina Navratilova
Barbara Potter Virginia Ruzici
Kate Latham Sandy Collins Mima Jaušovec Sylvia Hanika
Barbara Potter Sharon Walsh 6–2, 7–6(7–4)
Rosie Casals Wendy Turnbull
19 Jan
Avon Championships of Cincinnati Cincinnati , United States Avon Championships Circuit Carpet (i) – $150,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Martina Navratilova 6–2, 6–4
Sylvia Hanika
Jennifer Russell Hana Mandlíková
Barbara Potter Pam Shriver Virginia Ruzici Virginia Wade
Kathy Jordan Anne Smith 1–6, 6–3, 6–3
Martina Navratilova Pam Shriver
26 Jan
Avon Championships of Chicago Chicago , United States Avon Championships Circuit Carpet (i) – $200,000 – 56S/28D Singles – Doubles
Martina Navratilova 6–4, 6–2
Hana Mandlíková
Wendy Turnbull Barbara Potter
Anne Smith Pam Shriver Peanut Louie Sylvia Hanika
Martina Navratilova Pam Shriver 6–3, 6–1
Barbara Potter Sharon Walsh
Week
Tournament
Champions
Runners-up
Semifinalists
Quarterfinalists
2 Feb
Avon Championships of Detroit Detroit , United States Avon Championships Circuit Carpet (i) – $150,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Leslie Allen 6–4, 6–4
Hana Mandlíková
Pam Shriver Barbara Potter
Claudia Kohde-Kilsch Bettina Bunge Mima Jaušovec Wendy Turnbull
Rosie Casals Wendy Turnbull 6–4, 6–2
Hana Mandlíková Betty Stöve
9 Feb
Avon Championships of California Oakland , United States Avon Championships Circuit Carpet (i) – $125,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Andrea Jaeger 6–3, 6–1
Virginia Wade
Beth Norton Wendy Turnbull
Claudia Kohde-Kilsch Pam Teeguarden Mima Jaušovec Sue Barker
Rosie Casals Wendy Turnbull 6–1, 6–4
Martina Navratilova Virginia Wade
16 Feb
Avon Championships of Houston Houston , United States Avon Championships Circuit Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 16S/8D Singles – Doubles
Hana Mandlíková 6–4, 6–4
Bettina Bunge
Kathy Jordan Mima Jaušovec
Pam Teeguarden Zina Garrison Jennifer Russell Kate Latham
Sue Barker Ann Kiyomura 5–7, 6–4, 6–3
Regina Maršíková Mary Lou Piatek
23 Feb
Avon Championships of Seattle Seattle , United States Avon Championships Circuit Carpet (i) – $150,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Sylvia Hanika 6–2, 6–1
Barbara Potter
Kathy Jordan Bettina Bunge
Anne Smith Pam Shriver Wendy Turnbull Hana Mandlíková
Rosie Casals Wendy Turnbull 6–1, 6–4
Sue Barker Ann Kiyomura
Week
Tournament
Champions
Runners-up
Semifinalists
Quarterfinalists
2 Mar
Avon Championships of Los Angeles Los Angeles, United States Avon Championships Circuit Hard – $150,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Martina Navratilova 6–4, 6–0
Andrea Jaeger
Sylvia Hanika Bettina Bunge
Julie Harrington Barbara Potter JoAnne Russell Billie Jean King
Susan Leo Kim Sands 6–1, 4–6, 6–1
Peanut Louie Marita Redondo
9 Mar
Avon Championships of Dallas Dallas , United States Avon Championships Circuit Carpet (i) – $175,000 – 33S/16D Singles – Doubles
Martina Navratilova 6–2, 6–4
Pam Shriver
Virginia Ruzici Bettina Bunge
Mary Lou Piatek Billie Jean King Kathy Jordan Mima Jaušovec
Martina Navratilova Pam Shriver 7–5, 6–4
Kathy Jordan Anne Smith
15 Mar
Avon Championships of Boston Boston , United States Avon Championships Circuit Carpet (i) – $150,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Chris Evert-Lloyd 6–4, 6–4
Mima Jaušovec
Kathy Jordan Sylvia Hanika
Virginia Ruzici Peanut Louie Wendy Turnbull Hana Mandlíková
Barbara Potter Sharon Walsh 5–7, 6–4, 6–3
Jennifer Russell Virginia Ruzici
23 Mar
Avon Championships New York City, United States WTA Championships Carpet (i) – $300,000 – 8S/4D Singles – Doubles
Martina Navratilova 6–3, 7–6(7–3)
Andrea Jaeger
Bettina Bunge Sylvia Hanika
Martina Navratilova Pam Shriver 6–0, 7–6(8–6)
Barbara Potter Sharon Walsh
Week
Tournament
Champions
Runners-up
Semifinalists
Quarterfinalists
6 Apr
Family Circle Cup Hilton Head Island , United States Toyota Series (Category 5) Clay – $150,000 – 56S/32D Singles – Doubles
Chris Evert-Lloyd 6–3, 6–2
Pam Shriver
Virginia Ruzici JoAnne Russell
Regina Maršíková Mima Jaušovec Pam Casale Joyce Portman
Rosie Casals Wendy Turnbull 7–5, 7–5
Mima Jaušovec Pam Shriver
13 Apr
Wightman Cup Williamsburg , United States Team event Hard (i)
United States 7–0
Great Britain
20 Apr
Murjani WTA Championships Amelia Island , United States Toyota Series (Category 7) Clay – $250,000 – 56S/32D Singles – Doubles
Chris Evert-Lloyd 6–0, 6–0
Martina Navratilova
Virginia Ruzici Mima Jaušovec
Pam Shriver Andrea Jaeger Ivanna Madruga Sylvia Hanika
Kathy Jordan Paula Smith 6–3, 5–7, 7–6(7–2)
Virginia Ruzici JoAnne Russell
27 Apr
United Airlines Tournament of Champions Orlando , United States Toyota Series (Category 7) Clay – $200,000 – 22S/8D Singles – Doubles
Martina Navratilova 7–5, 6–3
Andrea Jaeger
Regina Maršíková Hana Mandlíková
Yvonne Vermaak Wendy Turnbull Kathleen Horvath Sylvia Hanika
Martina Navratilova Pam Shriver 6–1, 7–6(12–10)
Rosie Casals Wendy Turnbull
Week
Tournament
Champions
Runners-up
Semifinalists
Quarterfinalists
4 May
Italian Open Perugia , Italy Toyota Series (Category 3) Clay – $100,000 – 56S/32D Singles – Doubles
Chris Evert-Lloyd 6–1, 6–2
Virginia Ruzici
Sandy Collins Joyce Portman
Lucia Romanov Rosalyn Fairbank Ivanna Madruga Elly Appel-Vessies
Candy Reynolds Paula Smith 7–5, 6–1
Chris Evert-Lloyd Virginia Ruzici
Bridgestone Doubles Championships Tokyo, Japan Toyota Series (Category 5) Carpet (i) – $150,000 – 8DDoubles
Sue Barker Ann Kiyomura 7–5, 6–2
Barbara Potter Sharon Walsh
Casals / Turnbull Jordan / Smith
Peanut Louie / Redondo Blackwood / Leo duPont / Jordan Jaeger / King
11 May
Toyota Swiss Open Lugano , Switzerland Toyota Series (Category 3) Clay – $100,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Chris Evert-Lloyd 6–1, 6–1
Virginia Ruzici
Regina Maršíková Sylvia Hanika
Sandy Collins Dianne Balestrat Hana Strachoňová Candy Reynolds
Rosalyn Fairbank Tanya Harford 2–6, 6–1, 6–4
Candy Reynolds Paula Smith
18 May
German Open West Berlin , West Germany Toyota Series (Category 3) Clay – $150,000 – 56S/28D Singles – Doubles
Regina Maršíková 6–2, 6–1
Ivanna Madruga
Sandy Collins Dianne Fromholtz
Tracy Austin Deborah Jevans Mima Jaušovec Hana Mandlíková
Rosalyn Fairbank Tanya Harford 6–3, 6–4
Sue Barker Renáta Tomanová
25 May 1 June
French Open Paris, France Grand Slam Clay – $300,000 – 112S/64Q/48D/32X Singles – Doubles – Mixed doubles
Hana Mandlíková 6–2, 6–4
Sylvia Hanika
Chris Evert-Lloyd Andrea Jaeger
Virginia Ruzici Kathy Rinaldi Mima Jaušovec Martina Navratilova
Rosalyn Fairbank Tanya Harford 6–1, 6–3
Candy Reynolds Paula Smith
Andrea Jaeger James Arias 7–6, 6–4
Betty Stöve Frederick McNair
Week
Tournament
Champions
Runners-up
Semifinalists
Quarterfinalists
8 Jun
Surrey Championships Surbiton , Great Britain Toyota Series (Category 1) Grass – $50,000 – 56S/32D Singles – Doubles
Betsy Nagelsen 6–0, 6–4
Barbara Hallquist
Diane Desfor Martina Navratilova
Marjorie Blackwood Laura duPont JoAnne Russell Sue Barker
Sue Barker Ann Kiyomura 6–1, 6–7, 6–1
Billie Jean King Ilana Kloss
15 Jun
BMW Championships Eastbourne , Great Britain Toyota Series (Category 4) Grass – $125,000 – 64S/32D Singles – Doubles
Tracy Austin 6–3, 6–4
Andrea Jaeger
Barbara Potter Martina Navratilova
Anne Smith Wendy Turnbull Pam Casale Claudia Kohde-Kilsch
Martina Navratilova Pam Shriver 6–7(5–7) , 6–2, 6–1
Kathy Jordan Anne Smith
22 Jun 29 Jun
Wimbledon Championships London, Great Britain Grand Slam Grass – $300,000 – 112S/64Q/48D/48X Singles – Doubles – Mixed doubles
Chris Evert-Lloyd 6–2, 6–2
Hana Mandlíková
Pam Shriver Martina Navratilova
Mima Jaušovec Tracy Austin Virginia Ruzici Wendy Turnbull
Martina Navratilova Pam Shriver 6–3, 7–6(8–6)
Kathy Jordan Anne Smith
Betty Stöve Frew McMillan 4–6, 7–6(7–2) , 6–3
Tracy Austin John Austin
Week
Tournament
Champions
Runners-up
Semifinalists
Quarterfinalists
13 Jul
Austrian Open Kitzbühel , Austria Toyota Series (Category 1) Clay – $50,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Claudia Kohde-Kilsch 7–5, 7–6
Sylvia Hanika
Regina Maršíková Virginia Ruzici
Patricia Medrado Yvonne Vermaak Lena Sandin Marjorie Blackwood
Claudia Kohde-Kilsch Eva Pfaff 6–4, 6–3
Elizabeth Little Yvonne Vermaak
27 Jul
Wells Fargo Open San Diego , United States Toyota Series (Category 4) Hard – $125,000- 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Tracy Austin 6–2, 5–7, 6–2
Pam Shriver
Kathy Jordan Kate Latham
Candy Reynolds Mary Lou Piatek Bettina Bunge Yvonne Vermaak
Kathy Jordan Candy Reynolds 6–1, 2–6, 6–4
Rosie Casals Pam Shriver
Week
Tournament
Champions
Runners-up
Semifinalists
Quarterfinalists
3 Aug
U.S. Clay Court Championships Indianapolis , United States Toyota Series (Category 5) Clay – $150,000 – 56S/32D Singles – Doubles
Andrea Jaeger 6–1, 6–0
Virginia Ruzici
Mima Jaušovec Regina Maršíková
Sue Barker Anne Smith Hana Strachoňová Susan Mascarin
JoAnne Russell Virginia Ruzici 6–2, 6–2
Sue Barker Paula Smith
10 Aug
Central Fidelity Banks International Richmond , United States Toyota Series (Category 3) Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Mary Lou Piatek 6–4, 6–1
Sue Barker
Betsy Nagelsen Pam Shriver
Sylvia Hanika Regina Maršíková Wendy Turnbull Sandy Collins
Sue Barker Ann Kiyomura 4–6, 7–6, 6–4
Kathy Jordan Anne Smith
17 Aug
Player's Canadian Open Toronto , Canada Toyota Series (Category 7) Hard – $200,000 – 56S/32D Singles – Doubles
Tracy Austin 6–1, 6–4
Chris Evert-Lloyd
Andrea Jaeger Martina Navratilova
Hana Mandlíková Rosalyn Fairbank Sylvia Hanika Pam Shriver
Martina Navratilova Pam Shriver 7–6, 7–6
Candy Reynolds Anne Smith
24 Aug
Volvo Women's Cup Mahwah , United States Toyota Series (Category 3) Hard – $100,000 – 56S/32D Singles – Doubles
Hana Mandlíková 6–2, 6–2
Pam Casale
Bettina Bunge Regina Maršíková
Trey Lewis Virginia Ruzici Wendy White Stacy Margolin
Rosie Casals Wendy Turnbull 6–2, 6–1
Candy Reynolds Betty Stöve
31 Aug 7 Sep
US Open New York City, United States Grand Slam Hard – $400,000 – 128S/64Q/64D/32X Singles – Doubles – Mixed doubles
Tracy Austin 1–6, 7–6(7–4) , 7–6(7–1)
Martina Navratilova
Chris Evert-Lloyd Barbara Potter
Hana Mandlíková Anne Smith Sylvia Hanika Barbara Gerken
Kathy Jordan Anne Smith 6–3, 6–3
Rosie Casals Wendy Turnbull
Anne Smith Kevin Curren 6–4, 7–6(7–4)
JoAnne Russell Steve Denton
Week
Tournament
Champions
Runners-up
Semifinalists
Quarterfinalists
14 Sep
Toray Sillook Open Tokyo, Japan Toyota Series (Category 3) Carpet (i) – $100,000 – 32S Singles
Ann Kiyomura 6–4, 7–5
Bettina Bunge
Mima Jaušovec Kathleen Horvath
Sharon Walsh Candy Reynolds Anne Hobbs Leslie Allen
21 Sep
Toyota Tennis Classic Atlanta , United States Toyota Series (Category 2) Hard – $75,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Tracy Austin 4–6, 6–3, 6–3
Mary Lou Piatek
Laura duPont Susan Mascarin
Beth Norton Wendy White Rosie Casals Sharon Walsh
Laura duPont Betsy Nagelsen 6–4, 7–5
Rosie Casals Candy Reynolds
28 Sep
U.S. Women's Indoor Championships Bloomington , United States Toyota Series (Category 4) Carpet (i) – $125,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Martina Navratilova 6–0, 6–2
Tracy Austin
Candy Reynolds Wendy Turnbull
Sharon Walsh Julie Harrington Anne Smith Barbara Potter
Martina Navratilova Pam Shriver 6–3, 7–6
Rosie Casals Wendy Turnbull
Week
Tournament
Champions
Runners-up
Semifinalists
Quarterfinalists
5 Oct
Florida Federal Open Tampa , United States Toyota Series (Category 4) Hard – $125,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Martina Navratilova 5–7, 6–2, 6–0
Bettina Bunge
Sylvia Hanika Mary Lou Piatek
Barbara Hallquist Kathy Rinaldi Wendy Turnbull Sandy Collins
Rosie Casals Wendy Turnbull 6–3, 6–4
Martina Navratilova Renáta Tomanová
12 Oct
Borden Classic Kyoto , Japan Toyota Series (Category 1) Hard – $50,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Kathy Rinaldi 6–1, 7–5
Julie Harrington
Pam Casale Patricia Medrado
Dana Gilbert Barbara Jordan Susan Mascarin Beth Norton
Marianne van der Torre Nanette Schutte 6–2, 6–4
Elizabeth Smylie Kim Steinmetz
Lynda Carter Maybelline Classic Deerfield Beach , United States Toyota Series (Category 4) Hard – $125,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Chris Evert-Lloyd 4–6, 6–3, 6–0
Andrea Jaeger
Pam Shriver Sylvia Hanika
Bobbie Gadusek Anne White Rosie Casals Anne Smith
Mary Lou Piatek Wendy White 6–1, 3–6, 7–5
Pam Shriver Paula Smith
19 Oct
Daihatsu Challenge Brighton , Great Britain Toyota Series (Category 4) Carpet (i) – $125,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Sue Barker 4–6, 6–1, 6–1
Mima Jaušovec
Barbara Potter Anne Smith
Tracy Austin Claudia Kohde-Kilsch Pam Shriver Sylvia Hanika
Barbara Potter Anne Smith 6–7(1–7) , 6–3, 6–4
Mima Jaušovec Pam Shriver
Japan Open Tokyo, Japan Toyota Series (Category 1) Hard – $50,000 – S/D Singles – Doubles
Marie Pinterová 2–6, 6–4, 6–1
Pam Casale
Barbara Potter Patricia Medrado
Julie Harrington Barbara Rossi Marianne van der Torre Lee Duk-hee
Patricia Medrado Cláudia Monteiro 6–3, 3–6, 6–2
Barbara Jordan Roberta McCallum
26 Oct
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart , West Germany Toyota Series (Category 4) Hard (i) – $125,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Tracy Austin 4–6, 6–3, 6–4
Martina Navratilova
Virginia Ruzici Sylvia Hanika
Mima Jaušovec JoAnne Russell Jo Durie Anne Smith
Mima Jaušovec Martina Navratilova 6–4, 6–1
Barbara Potter Anne Smith
Week
Tournament
Champions
Runners-up
Semifinalists
Quarterfinalists
2 Nov
Seiko Classic Hong Kong Toyota Series (Category 1) Hard – $50,000 – 32S/16D Singles – Doubles
Wendy Turnbull 6–3, 6–4
Sabina Simmonds
Marianne van der Torre Marcella Mesker
Anne Hobbs Patricia Medrado Leigh-Anne Thompson Lee Duk-hee
Ann Kiyomura Sharon Walsh 6–3, 6–4
Anne Hobbs Susan Leo
9 Nov
Federation Cup Tokyo, Japan Team event Clay
United States 3–0
Great Britain
Switzerland Australia
Romania West Germany Soviet Union Netherlands
16 Nov
National Panasonic Classic Perth , Australia Toyota Series (Category 4) Grass – $125,000 – 56S/32D Singles – Doubles
Pam Shriver 6–1, 7–6(7–4)
Andrea Jaeger
Mima Jaušovec Ann Kiyomura
Leslie Allen Barbara Potter Jane Preyer Anne Smith
Barbara Potter Sharon Walsh 6–4, 6–2
Betsy Nagelsen Candy Reynolds
23 Nov
NSW Building Society Open Sydney , Australia Toyota Series (Category 4) Grass – $125,000 – 56S/32D Singles – Doubles
Chris Evert-Lloyd 6–4, 2–6, 6–1
Martina Navratilova
Bettina Bunge Wendy Turnbull
Evonne Goolagong Cawley Anne Smith Andrea Jaeger Barbara Potter
Martina Navratilova Pam Shriver 6–7, 6–2, 6–4
Kathy Jordan Anne Smith
30 Nov 7 Dec
Toyota Australian Open Melbourne , Australia Grand Slam Grass – $200,000 – 64S/32Q/32D Singles – Doubles
Martina Navratilova 6–7(4–7) , 6–4, 7–5
Chris Evert-Lloyd
Wendy Turnbull Pam Shriver
Hana Mandlíková Andrea Jaeger Evonne Goolagong Cawley Tracy Austin
Kathy Jordan Anne Smith 6–2, 7–5
Martina Navratilova Pam Shriver
The 31 Toyota Series tournaments were divided into eight point categories. The highest points were allocated to the Grand Slam tournaments; French Open, the Wimbledon Championships, the US Open and the Australian Open. Points were allocated based on these categories and the finishing position of a player in a tournament.[ 1] The points allocation, with doubles points listed in brackets, is as follows:
Category
Grand Slam $300,000+
7 $200,000+
6 $175,000+
5 $150,000+
4 $125,000+
3 $100,000+
2 $75,000+
1 $50,000+
Winner
250 (125)
200 (105)
175 (88)
150 (75)
125 (62)
100 (50)
75 (38)
50 (25)
Runner-up
200 (100)
160 (90)
140 (73)
120 (60)
95 (47)
70 (35)
50 (25)
30 (15)
Semifinalist
160 (80)
130 (70)
110 (57)
90 (45)
70 (35)
50 (25)
35 (17)
20 (10)
Quarterfinalist
120 (60)
100 (50)
80 (40)
60 (30)
40 (20)
25 (12)
20 (8)
10 (5)
Fourth round
80 (40)
65 (35)
50 (25)
35 (17)
25 (12)
15 (8)
10 (5)
5 (3)
Third round
40 (30)
30 (22)
25 (15)
20 (9)
15 (5)
5 (3)
3 (1)
– (–)
Second round
15 (10)
10 (8)
10 (5)
7 (2)
5 (–)
– (–)
– (–)
– (–)
Below are the 1981 WTA year-end rankings (December 31, 1981) in both singles and doubles competition:
Grand Slam events Avon Championships Circuit
Kansas (S , D )
Cincinnati (S , D )
Chicago (S , D )
Detroit (S , D )
California (S , D )
Houston (S , D )
Seattle (S , D )
Los Angeles (S , D )
Dallas (S , D )
Boston (S , D )
Toyota Series
Charleston (S , D )
Amelia Island (S , D )
Orlando (S , D )
Perugia (S , D )
Lugano (S , D )
Berlin (S , D )
Surbiton (S , D )
Eastbourne (S , D )
Kitzbühel (S , D )
San Diego (S , D )
Indianapolis (S , D )
Richmond (S , D )
Toronto (S , D )
Mahwah (S , D )
Tokyo 1 (S )
Atlanta (S , D )
Bloomington (S , D )
Tampa (S , D )
Kyoto (S , D )
Deerfield Beach (S , D )
Brighton (S , D )
Tokyo 2 (S , D )
Filderstadt (S , D )
Hong Kong (S , D )
Perth (S , D )
Sydney (S , D )
Team events
Women's tennis seasons
Seasons (1881-1912) ILTF (1913-72) ILTF Independent Circuit ILTF Grand Prix Circuit Virginia Slims Circuit Virginia Slims/Colgate Series Avon/Colgate Series Avon/Toyota Series Virginia Slims World Championship Series WTA Tour