Maria Bueno honoured at US Open

Honoured for 50 years since third US Win

Maria was honoured again and it seems she gets to celebrate some sort of anniversary every year and every place she goes, but each one is very special to her.

In New York, she was honoured on Wednesday night for the 50 years since her third win at Forest Hills when, in 1964, she crushed Carole Caldwell (Graebner) 6-0 6-1 in just 19 minutes in what must be the fastest final of all time.

“It would have been love and love,” laughs Maria. “Except I was foot-faulted from the chair and lost a game!

“Carole had beaten everybody to get to the final – Billie [Jean King] and Ann Jones – and I’ve since read that she claimed to have had sunstroke and wasn’t feeling well, but I remember seeing the ball so well and missing nothing… It was just one of those days for me and not one she cared to remember much about later!”

Maria was recognised at a special dinner in her honour alongside Vic Seixas, 91, who won the title 60 years ago, and presented with a framed picture by Dave Haggerty, President of the USTA.

Both Maria and Vic gave amusing speeches of thanks, Maria’s quipping that the photo was actually taken in 1958 at Wimbledon because she was wearing her dress with the palm trees.

“I am very honoured to be here with all of you today and it seems like only yesterday that I was playing that final [in 1964],” she said.

She was also introduced to the crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium during the Novak Djokovic versus Andy Murray quarter final match and received a loud cheer from the 22,500 or so fans there.

“That was a real treat!” she acknowledged. “This is the biggest tennis stage in the world so its really nice to feel a part of it.”

Live on Tennis Channel

Earlier in the day Maria did a live interview on The Tennis Channel, one of the official domestic broadcasters of the US Open.

When she arrived on set she posed for photos with staff and was very well received.
Martina Navratilova was on the settee with her, and they talked about her career, the changes that have occurred as a result of the advances in tennis equipment and the fun the two great players have had over the years practising together.

“When are we going to play?” asked Maria.

“You name it,” replied Martina on air. “How’s about my match tomorrow? You can warm me up!”

“I was very pleased with how it went.” said Maria about the interview.

“All these things help to teach people that tennis didn’t just start with Open tennis but that there was a lot going on before 1968 and we all had a part of that.

“Martina said she played at Forest Hills too, on both grass and the clay, but people forget all that.”

When they were off air, there was a round of applause and Maria was surprised to see the attenders had doubled in size and were taking pictures!

“It was all good fun! In fact, it was a great day!”

To view the video: http://www.tennischanneleverywhere.com/category/whats-new?video=maria-buena-stops-by-the-loft [Some territories may be unable to view this due to international television right]

ITHOF Legends Gala

Maria has also caught up with many friends and former opponents over the past 10 days or so.

She was very surprised and happy to run into Christine (Truman) Janes, in town for a few days to see the US Open.

They chatted about their memorable final at Forest Hills in 1959, a match that Maria won 6-1 6-4.

“I was amazed that Christine hasn’t been back to the US since,” said Maria. “She came over her daughter, Caroline, and they were taking everything in with great enthusiasm and finding it all very different and interesting!”

Maria was also acknowledged at the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Legends Gala on Friday night, alongside her fellow inductees.

“It was a lovely evening,” she said. “Again, it is promoting the history of the game and that has to be good for all concerned.

“The Hall of Fame has a lot of plans for the future, including rebuilding the facilities at Newport where the museum is.

“Events like the Gala help to raise the necessary funds so it is all in a good cause.”
Maria met the Emcee for the evening, Hannah Storm, who is an ESPN anchor.
“It’s always fun getting to meet the celebrities!

“We were on Chris Combe’s table [ITHOF Board member] with his wife, Courtney, and their friends, which was very nice indeed. His alumni is North Westenr and they seem to be everywhere! Quite a network of contacts and friends.

“And a few days back we were sitting with Ben Stiller watching Djokovic. It doesn’t get much better than that!”

Mixed Doubles title for Brazil

Brazil’s Bruno Soares won his second mixed doubles title at the US Open partnering India’s Sania Mirza.

The pair defeated America’s Abigail Spears and Santiago Gonzalez from Mexico in the final, 6-1 2-6 [11-9].

“Its always good to see a Brazilian doing well,” said Maria. “Congratulations to Bruno!”