Advertisement

Tennis Star Tracy Austin Hurt in N.J. Car Accident

Share
<i> From Times Wire Services and Staff Reports</i>

Two-time U.S. Open singles champion Tracy Austin was injured in an automobile accident today, police and hospital officials said.

Austin, 26, was taken to the emergency room of Overlook Hospital in Summit at 11 a.m., hospital President Michael Sniffen said.

Millburn Police Officer Paul A. Cuomo said Austin was involved in an accident about 10 a.m., but he could not provide details of the accident or of her injuries. He said no one else was injured.

Advertisement

Sniffen said Austin was being X-rayed. Although he did not know the nature of her injuries, he said they were not life threatening.

Jeff Austin, his sister’s agent, said she suffered cuts and bruises but apparently no broken bones. He said several stitches were needed to close cuts on her arms and legs.

According to Jeff Austin, the accident occurred when she was attempting to make a left turn on a green light and her car was struck by another auto. She was the only person in the car and had her seat belt fastened, Jeff Austin said. The accident happened close to the hotel where her tennis team, the New Jersey Stars, was staying.

Jeff Austin said he was not sure when his sister would be released from the hospital.

“They’re keeping her at the hospital to take X-rays and a (CAT) scan, but I think she’s fine,” Jeff Austin said.

Austin has limited herself to doubles play in recent months because of a foot injury last April.

In 1979, at the age of 16, she became the youngest player to win the U.S. Open.

Advertisement