Juliette Atkinson won the singles title of the 1898 U.S. Women's National Singles Championship by defeating challenger Marion Jones 6–3, 5–7, 6–4, 2–6, 7–5 in the Challenge Round, surviving five matchpoints in the final set.[2] It was Atkinon's third singles title, after 1895 and 1897, which gave her permanent ownership of the Wissahickon Inn Challenge Cup.[3][4] Jones had won the right to challenge Atkinson by defeating Helen Crump 6–4, 7–5, 6–4 in the final of the All Comers' competition. The event was played on outdoor grass courts and held at the Philadelphia Cricket Club in Wissahickon Heights, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia from June 14 through June 18, 1898.[1][5][6]
References
- 1 2 3 Collins, Bud (2016). The Bud Collins History of Tennis (3rd ed.). New York: New Chapter Press. p. 495. ISBN 978-1-937559-38-0.
- ↑ "Lawn Tennis". Outing. Vol. 33. New York: The Outing Publishing Company. October 1898. p. 94.
In the fifth set of this truly remarkable match, Miss Jones secured a lead of 5—3, and five times during the next game and the three that followed, she needed only one stroke for the match, but Miss Atkinson pluckily pulled out a victory from what seemed like certain defeat.
- ↑ "Miss Atkinson champion". The Baltimore Sun. June 18, 1898. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com. (Subscription required (help)).
- ↑ "A tennis battle that was royal". The Philadelphia Inquirer. June 18, 1898. p. 4 – via Newspapers.com. (Subscription required (help)).
Yesterday's victory finally disposes of the Wissahickon Inn Challenge Cup, which now becomes the property of Miss Atkinson, she having won it three times
- ↑ Wright & Ditson's Lawn Tennis Guide for 1899. Boston: Wright & Ditson. 1899. pp. 88–89 – via HathiTrust.
The Championship round took place on the court in front of the grandstand, which was crowded with an interested audience of enthusiasts. In the twelve years that this tournament has been held at Wissahickon there probably never has been a more interesting or scientific contest than the Championship match of 1898. Although the two contestants were evenly matched in skill, Miss Atkinson had the advantage of more experience in tournament play and also the further advantage of having had the opportunity of studying her opponent's style of play. Each won a set in turn, Miss Atkinson won the third, Miss Jones took the fourth quite handily, 6–2. In the final set Miss Jones needed but one point to win the Championship, but her opponent's return struck a stray ball in the court and made matters even. After being deuce and advantage several times Miss Atkinson finally took the game and the Championship.
- ↑ "Tennis play for U.S. Championship". The Philadelphia Inquirer. June 15, 1898. p. 4 – via Newspapers.com. (Subscription required (help)).
.svg.png){kind=small}