WASHINGTON, D.C. ? Senior women’s tennis player Laura Gioia helped the United States to a third place finish in the Mercelis Cup competition at the 75th Annual Diamond Jubilee, held in Washington D.C.

Gioia was paired with over-40 women’s player Renata Marcinkowska to represent the United States in the international tournament.

“This has been an unforgettable experience,” commented Gioia after the tournament. “I have met so many different people from all around the world.”

“It is inspiring to see how all these different countries can be brought together through the game of tennis. I see people in their 70s competing and it is very inspiring to see how tennis is still a big part of their lives.”

In the first round of the tournament, the U.S. defeated Ireland, with Gioia winning her singles match 6-0, 6-0 and the doubles pair posting an

8-2 win.

In the second round, the U.S. defeated South Africa, with Gioia winning her singles match by scores of 6-0, 6-2, and the doubles pair earning a 7-5, 6-0 win.

The U.S. lost to Sweden in the quarterfinals, with a 7-5, 6-2 doubles loss. Gioia defeated her Swedish opponent, a former pro player who retired in 1994, in singles 6-2, 6-0.

Gioia and her partner then earned third place after a victory over the Netherlands due to injury in the semifinals.