February 1, 1973 – August 13, 2024
Five years ago, Petra proved to the world something that no one ever doubted, but somehow forgot. Even in the throes of treatments, Petra could still be found running clinics, playing doubles, organizing tournaments and meeting and greeting guests at the courts. She also got in some skiing at Snowmass this past winter! In October of 2019, Petra was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had already metastasized to her bones. After five stable years, Petra had been in and out of hospitalization for over 10 weeks. It was a challenging time for both her and her family; from the first stages of getting diagnosed, to having to deal with the long-term effects of fighting this awful illness. Throughout the moments of stability and chaos, one thing never changed: Petra’s never-
ending willingness to fight, and her family’s never-ending support.
Petra first came to the U.S. almost 30 years ago. Born and raised in Zagreb, Croatia, she was a star at tennis. Winning multiple tournaments in late Yugoslavia and early Croatia. In 1993, she reached her career highest doubles ranking of 278 during the Yugoslavian war. When she came to Aspen, following her friend from home, she met her husband. Together they raised two beautiful daughters.
Within the 20+ years that Petra was in Aspen, she worked tirelessly to bring tennis back to life. Starting at the public courts, to the Maroon Creek club, Snowmass club, Aspen Meadows and back to the beginning, she built a name for herself. For the past four years, she and her family have been running the Aspen Tennis facility off Highway 82 by the public golf course.
A champion and warrior princess, Petra channeled her competitive and undefeatable spirit into her battle with cancer and with inner strength and grace, had to listen to her body and let go of the fight. We can only hope that she is resting now and at peace.
She is survived by her parents, Ljerka and Zeljko Rihtaric; her husband, Bill Crimmel; her two daughters, Zoe and Ana; and her adorable bull terrier, Snowball.
Over 50 people attended a fundraiser on July 28, 2024 at the Aspen Tennis Center. Supporters were national and worldwide, from Texas, California, New York, Croatia, Serbia, Germany and various other states and countries. This global following is indicative of Petra’s reach with athletes and the human species, in general. She attracted people from far and wide with her tennis prowess, coaching and warm and welcoming nature.
Petra’s older daughter, Zoe, coordinated a doubles round robin tournament playing 10 point tiebreakers in lieu of sets due to the number of people and demand of quick play. Her younger daughter, Ana, organized sign-ups and donations. Approximately $10,000 was raised both in cash and GoFundMe donations at the event. In total, the family raised just over $50,000 in donations.
Petra has been described by her members, friends and fans as “fierce, dignified, hard-working and dedicated to her family.” “She loved life with grace and dignity and had an infectious smile and laugh.”
The Aspen Tennis Center is the “People’s Country Club.” The courts are exquisitely maintained, the coaching is world class and yet the facility is like a home away from home. It is neither exclusionary, nor pretentious. Petra always upheld standards for discipline, sportsmanship and respect for the courts, but still welcomed the public with open arms, encouraging a sense of community and, for many, an extended family.
We mourn the loss of this magnetic matriarch. May her beauty survive in the image of her children, and the hearts and minds of her entire family, her husband, friends and tennis followers.
To find out more about Petra, her dream and the ways she is going to be celebrated, go to www.petrascountryclub.com