The International Tennis Hall of Fame witnessed a piece of history Sunday as the qualifying round of the 2025 Hall of Fame Open began with 16 matches in front of a record-breaking crowd, marking the first time in 35 years that professional women’s tennis has returned to Newport’s hallowed grass courts.
The day belonged to rising American talent, with nine players from the United States advancing to the second round of qualifying. Leading the charge was Olivia Lincer, who etched her name in the history books by becoming the first woman to advance at Newport since the Virginia Slims tournament in 1990. The former 2015 International Tennis Hall of Fame 12U Grass Court Champion defeated Wild Card Anna Frey 6-2, 6-3 in one of four women’s matches contested on Center Court.
“For the first time since the Virginia Slims took place in Newport during the 1990s, the Hall of Fame Open hosts both men’s and women’s professional tennis,” organizers noted, emphasizing the tournament’s commitment to gender equity. The International Tennis Hall of Fame has raised the WTA 125 prize purse by 60 percent to match the ATP Challenger purse, supported by The MARGARET Fund as a tournament sponsor.
The women’s action continued with dramatic fashion as Alana Smith mounted an impressive comeback victory over Wild Card Victoria Hu, winning 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. Haley Giavara captured her first career grass court WTA 125 victory, defeating Gabriela Lee 7-5, 6-2, while No. 2 seed Petra Hule closed out the women’s competition with a hard-fought 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 victory over Makenna Jones.
On the men’s side, the top seeds demonstrated their class as all top 10 seeds advanced to the next round. No. 8 seed Joshua Sheehy provided Center Court fireworks in a three-set thriller against fellow American and Wild Card Alex Finkelstein, prevailing 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-2.
Local favorite Matt Kuhar, a Rhode Island native, delighted the home crowd with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over Wally Thayne on Court No. 2. Americans Trey Hilderbrand (No. 5 seed) and Quinn Vandecasteele (No. 7 seed) both secured straight-set victories on Court No. 1, setting up intriguing second-round matchups.
Looking Ahead to Monday’s Women’s Sports Day
Today promises to be equally exciting as the Hall of Fame Open celebrates its inaugural Women’s Sports Day. Gates open at 10 a.m., with Wimbledon coverage available in the Fan Zone and the popular “Chat with Champions” session beginning at 10:15 a.m.
The highlight of Monday’s festivities will be the Women’s Sports Day Q&A at 12:30 p.m. on the Ryl Iced Tea Lawn, hosted by Blair Henley and featuring players and representatives from local professional teams including the Connecticut Sun (WNBA), Boston Legacy FC (NWSL), Boston Fleet (PWHL), and Boston Renegades (WFA).
With six courts in action today (two stadium, three front, and one back court), fans can expect another full day of compelling tennis as qualifying continues. ESPN’s SportsCenter will also be on-site as part of their “50 States in 50 Days” summer tour, highlighting Rhode Island’s sports culture.
The tournament, now certified as a Green Event by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, represents not just a return to Newport’s tennis roots, but a bold step forward in professional tennis. With prize purses totaling $200,000 for both ATP and WTA fields, the Hall of Fame Open joins Canberra as offering the highest prize total at the 125 level on both tours.
Guided museum tours continue daily at 2 p.m., offering fans a chance to explore the newly renovated International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum between matches.
For complete results from Day 1 of qualifying and today’s schedule, visit https://www.halloffameopen.com/en/.
