Sisters on a Mission: The Corleys Bring Big-Time Doubles Momentum Home to Oklahoma

The 2025 Edmond Open W100 is welcoming an impressively cosmopolitan field: players from 15 different countries have gained entry via direct acceptance, wildcards, or qualifying. Among them are names such as Renata Zarazúa (Mexico), Petra Marčinko (Croatia), Marina Stakusic (Canada), Iryna Shymanovich (Belarus), and Louisa Chirico (USA). That global reach is one of the hallmarks of the ITF World Tennis Tour, and Edmond, Oklahoma is poised this week to host a microcosm of the international women’s circuit. Today’s Highlights — Qualifiers, First Round, Doubles Qualifying & First Round Singles Marina Stakusic (Canada) made a confident start in the first round, disposing of Anna Rogers (USA) in straight sets, 6–2, 6–2. Louisa Chirico (USA) advanced after a solid performance over Malaika Rapolu (USA). Hanna Chang (USA) faced Ayana Akli (USA) in another match — a tighter affair through the first set. Elsewhere, Cadence Brace (Canada) was scheduled against Zoe Hammond, with results pending at press time. On the qualifying front, several players earned their way into the main draw. These qualifiers bring additional international depth to the tournament, expanding the roster beyond the direct-acceptance entries. Doubles Action The doubles draw also saw international pairings clash. Teams such as M. Kozyreva / I. Shymanovich and K. Cross / R. Zarazua were active during the day. Matches proceeded under pressure, especially in early rounds, where coordination among international duos is critical. What to Watch The international mix — with players hailing from Canada, Mexico, Croatia, Belarus, and beyond — means styles and strategies will collide in interesting ways. Early-round upsets are always possible in ITF events, and the qualifiers often bring hunger and unpredictability to the draw. Doubles teams with players from different countries may test chemistry and communication under match conditions.

On a crisp October morning in central Oklahoma, local tennis fans are keeping a close eye on one of their own. At the ITF W100 Edmond, OK (the OKTF Edmond Open) — the first-ever $100,000 women’s pro event in the state — Edmond native Zoe Hammond is set to take the court in the first round of the main draw. This is more than just a match; it’s a chance for Hammond to showcase her growth on a big stage in front of a hometown crowd. From Edmond to Lexington: A Tennis Journey Though she hails from Edmond, Oklahoma, Hammond’s high school years were spent at University of Missouri High School before her commitment to the University of Kentucky. During her time with the Wildcats, she has built a reputation both for her steady play and her academic excellence. In her junior season, Hammond posted a 16–10 singles record, earned All-SEC Second Team honors, and stood out in key matches — including wins over top-ranked opponents. Off the court, she also compiled perfect grades, becoming the Women’s Tennis SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year. Her academic credentials had already been recognized earlier, when she was named CSC Academic All-District as a sophomore. Hammond has also shown glimpses of stepping up in high-pressure moments. Earlier this year, during a match against Oklahoma in Norman, she delivered the only point for Kentucky — defeating a top-35 ranked player on court one. That win was a moment of local pride, as Oklahoma fans in attendance recognized her name. Her pathway to collegiate tennis was bolstered by strong performances in Universal Tennis events, which gave college coaches meaningful tape on her play. The Edmond W100: Stakes, Setting & Draw The Edmond tournament is historic in local tennis lore: the OKTF Edmond Open is the first women’s $100K professional tournament in Oklahoma. Held at Edmond Center Court — itself named the USTA National Facility of the Year — the weeklong event runs October 6–12 on outdoor hard courts. The singles draw features 32 main-draw slots and 32 qualifying slots, with the top players in the WTA / ITF rankings participating. Hammond, with a developing professional résumé, is among those wildcards or direct entrants with something to prove. Her first-round opponent is Cadence Brace, a more experienced player with higher professional rankings. Hammond enters as the underdog, but also as the hometown hopeful with crowd support. Victory wouldn’t just carry prize money or ranking points — it would validate the confidence placed in her by coaches, fans, and those who’ve followed her rise from Edmond to Lexington.  Why This Match Matters For Edmond, having a local player in a high-tier pro tournament is a rare spotlight. Locals have reason to rally behind Hammond: she’s the first in recent memory with roots in the area to compete in a tournament of this magnitude in her backyard. For Hammond herself, it’s a pivotal moment in her transition from collegiate athlete to pro contender. Wins here can open doors — not only financially and in ranking, but in reputation and belief. If she can push Brace, or even win, it would mark a milestone: from Edmond courts to the spotlight of international tennis. As the day turns to match time, the seats at Edmond Center Court will be filled not just with tennis fans, but with neighbors, coaches, family, and a community eager to cheer for their own.

The Edmond Open W100, part of the ITF World Tennis Tour , is showcasing some of the brightest rising stars in women’s tennis. Among them are sisters Gracie and Zoie Epps, whose paths through collegiate tennis have prepared them for this professional stage. A Family of Competitors Tennis has always been part of the Epps family identity, and now, with both sisters competing at the professional level, Edmond Center Court has become the latest chapter in their shared journey. Each sister brings her own distinct style of play and college pedigree, making their story a unique highlight of this year’s tournament. Gracie Epps: Cowgirl Consistency Gracie represents Oklahoma State Cowgirl Tennis, where she has built a reputation for her consistency and leadership on court. Known for her disciplined baseline game and ability to grind through long rallies, she’s contributed significantly to the Cowgirls’ presence in the Big 12 Conference. Her time at OSU has seen her develop into a player who thrives in high-pressure moments, often turning tight matches into statement wins. At Edmond, Gracie carries the confidence that comes from playing at one of the nation’s most competitive tennis programs, where she has faced many of the same international players now competing alongside her in the W100. Zoie Epps: Tech Tenacity Zoie, meanwhile, has carved her own identity at Louisiana Tech Athletics Women's Tennis, where her aggressive playing style and quick hands at the net have made her a standout in Conference USA. Her collegiate success has been marked by grit and determination, often taking on the toughest opponents and earning signature victories for the Lady Techsters. While Gracie’s game is built around patience, Zoie’s is defined by risk-taking and attacking play. That contrast has given fans a glimpse into how differently two sisters can approach the same sport while both excelling at the collegiate level. From College Courts to the Pro Stage For the Epps sisters, the Edmond Open W100 is more than just another tournament—it’s an opportunity to test their collegiate-honed skills against seasoned professionals. The ITF circuit is a demanding proving ground, and their participation signals both ambition and readiness for the next step in their careers. Their presence also highlights a growing trend of college tennis players successfully transitioning to the pro tour. Both OSU and Louisiana Tech have been key in shaping their competitive instincts, but Edmond is where they get to measure themselves on a truly global stage. Looking Ahead Whether they advance deep into the draw or use this as a stepping stone, the Epps sisters are proving that Oklahoma and Louisiana collegiate programs can produce talent ready to shine under the international spotlight. Fans at Edmond Center Court are not just watching two players; they’re witnessing the continuation of a family story written in forehands, volleys, and the drive to compete at the highest level.

How WTA Tennis Points Work Think of WTA points like a scorecard that measures how well a player has been doing over the past year. Every time a player competes in a professional tournament, she earns points based on how far she advances. The bigger and tougher the tournament, the more points are up for grabs. Winning a match = earning points. The deeper you go in a tournament, the more points you collect. For example, winning a first-round match at a small event may earn a handful of points, while winning a major championship could add thousands. Not all tournaments are equal. Grand Slams (like Wimbledon or the US Open) offer the most points. Mid-level tournaments offer fewer, but still meaningful, points. It’s a rolling 52-week system. Points from each tournament count for one year, then drop off when that tournament comes around again the following season. That means players have to keep performing well to maintain or improve their ranking. Rankings = tournament entry. The total number of points a player has determines her world ranking. Higher rankings mean automatic entry into top tournaments, better seeding, and fewer tough matchups early on. In short: points are the currency of professional tennis. They decide who gets into which tournaments, who gets seeded, and ultimately who rises to the top of the world rankings.

The Oklahoma Tennis Foundation’s Pro Series has quickly become one of the most exciting developments on the state’s tennis scene — a collection of world-class events bringing top talent, unforgettable experiences, and a whole new level of energy to Oklahoma courts. We sat down with Bill Towler, the visionary behind the series, to learn how it all began, what makes these tournaments special, and where the future is headed. From and Idea to a Movement “In early 2023, I thought it would be interesting for us to host a non-sanctioned pro tournament in the fall,” Towler explains. “It would give the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation a chance to create awareness for our brand, reach out to the tennis community, and — most importantly — have some fun!” After researching other events and consulting college coaches, Towler launched the first OKTF $25K Invitational in October 2023 at Edmond Center Court. The event combined high-level tennis with a vibrant atmosphere, complete with a shrimp boil, live band, and Calcutta auction on opening night. “The World Team Tennis format worked fantastic,” Towler says. “It’s very fan-friendly and loads of fun.” Following the Invitational’s success, the OKTF Pro Series was born in 2024, combining the Invitational, the OKTF W75 Edmond Open , and The Norman Open into one exciting statewide lineup. Mark your Calendars This year, the OKTF Pro Series returns bigger than ever, bringing top-tier tennis to three major events across Oklahoma: OKTF Invitational — October 3–4, 2025 (Edmond Center Court) OKTF W100 Edmond Open — October 6–12, 2025 (Edmond Center Court) OKTF Norman Open — October 20–26, 2025 (University of Oklahoma) The Invitational: Competition Meets Celebration The OKTF Invitational has quickly become the second-largest non-sanctioned professional tournament in the U.S. Its unique structure — a World Team Tennis format featuring teams of four players (two men, two women), makes for fast-paced, exciting matches. “One of the unique elements of this event is that it’s non-sanctioned, so, for lack of a better term, we can do what we want,” Towler explains. Opening night, Friday, October 3rd, kicks off with the Racquet & Roll Celebration, featuring a live band, dinner a Calcutta auction, and the first round of play. On Saturday, October 4th, fans can enjoy an adaptive clinic in the morning, a kids’ clinic before the finals, and plenty of opportunities to interact with players.  “It’s just a special experience for our fans, players, officials, and volunteers,” Towler says. The W100 Edmond Open: A Global Stage in Oklahoma Few realize the level of talent coming to Edmond for the OKTF W100 Edmond Open, taking place October 6–12, 2025. “There were only four W100 events in the U.S. last year out of 27 worldwide,” Towler notes. “Fans will see players ranked anywhere from the top 60 to around 250 in the world. Most of these players have competed in majors and are just a narrow margin away from breaking into the top 50.” Last year’s event featured Victoria Mboko, who is now ranked No. 24 in the world, a sign of the elite talent these tournaments attract. Players, coaches, and their teams come in from all over the world, and through broadcast partnerships, fans globally can stream every match live. Locally, tennis lovers can watch world-class competition up close and personal at Edmond Center Court. The Norman Open: A Fan Favorite Grows The OKTF Norman Open, scheduled for October 20–26, 2025, continues to grow in prestige and popularity. The event actually includes two separate pro tournaments (an M25 and a W35) running simultaneously at the University of Oklahoma. “Dawna Johnston and her team at OU have turned the Norman Open into one of the feature stops on the Pro Circuit,” Towler says. The tournament has welcomed some incredible names over the years, including Danielle Collins, Bianca Andreescu, Sofia Kenin, and Learner Tien. This year, the event will be even more special thanks to a $7.2 million renovation of OU’s tennis facilities, offering fans and players an enhanced, first-class experience. Looking Ahead, Building for the Future Towler has big hopes for the OKTF Pro Series moving forward: “My hope is that this isn’t just a showcase of tournaments but a model others can adopt around the country to host Pro Circuit events,” he says. “Ultimately, I’d love for us to host an ATP or WTA event one day.” Beyond growing the game at a professional level, Towler believes these events inspire the entire Oklahoma tennis community: “These events give young and old players the chance to come see some of the best tennis in the world right here in Oklahoma,” he says. “We hope it motivates people to get on the court, play tennis, and give back to the community.” Find out more by clicking here. Original publication: https://thebaseliner.net/f/raising-the-game---inside-the-oktf-pro-series-with-bill-towler

OKTF Seeks Ball Persons for October Tournaments in Edmond The Oklahoma Tennis Foundation (OKTF) is seeking ball persons to participate in two upcoming professional tennis events at Edmond Center Court: OKTF Invitational – October 3–4, 2025 ITF/USTA Edmond Open W100 Professional Women’s Tournament – October 6–12, 2025 These tournaments will bring world-class tennis to Edmond, and ball persons play a crucial role in creating a professional, smooth-running experience for players and fans alike. “We’re especially looking for juniors ages 11-and- up who have an understanding of the scoring and adults who play in local or USTA leagues,” said David Minihan. “It is mandatory that we have ball persons for all main draw matches, so we are needing help with the adult market especially during the morning and early afternoons. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the action and get up close to top-level tennis.” Ball Person Details: Eligibility: Juniors and adults (league players, juniors 11 & up, and tennis enthusiasts) Training: Instruction and guidance provided — no prior experience required Availability: Volunteers should be flexible, as match times may shift with scheduling Perks: Ball persons will receive a complimentary ticket valid for the entire week of the ITF/USTA Edmond Open W100 Interested individuals are encouraged to sign up by completing the availability form here: Sign up . As a thank-you for serving as a ball person, you will receive a complimentary ticket valid for the entire week of the USTA/ITF Edmond Open W100. We truly appreciate your support! For more information, please contact Coach Marina at marinaer80@gmail.com