Grand Slam on the tennis courts at Radyr LTC

On Saturday 11^th July, Radyr Lawn Tennis Club hosted the finals of its annual Open Tournament.  The weather was glorious and the Tiger Turf courts looked immaculate, basking in the sunshine, thanks to the effort of groundsman, Jim Goodwin.

All in all, it was a great team effort with local volunteers from the club helping to organise the tournament, tending the bar and playing the important role of umpire for the hotly contested matches.

The matches themselves provided great entertainment for the supporting crowd with family and friends cheering on the finalists in high sporting spirits.  There were men’s, women’s and mixed finals, and plate events for competitors knocked out in their first rounds, giving everyone a chance to play more tennis.  It was great to see such a range of competitors with players from all age groups making it through to the finals.

We were all rather impressed with Teresa Evans who managed to secure a triple crown Grand Slam for the second year in a row by winning the ladies singles, the ladies doubles with Zara Cottle (wearing her lucky Wimbledon socks), and the mixed doubles with Dave Bono.  It was a really good performance by Teresa and not an easy achievement.  She was properly stretched by Caroline Lai in the singles, just winning by 7 games to 5 in the third set.  There was another close encounter in the mixed doubles, and youngsters Ellen Ambler and Meg Smith fought a hard battle in the ladies doubles too.

The men’s singles title was won by head coach Drew Lumb, who normally enters to provide club members with a challenge.  This year his opponent in the final was excellent junior player Nick Lai who put Drew under considerable pressure, taking the first set and only finally faltering towards the end of the third.  Drew also took the men’s doubles title with his skilful partner Nick Smith.

It was an excellent day for everyone who attended the finals matches, with the club’s traditional afternoon tea of sandwiches and cakes being taken on the lawn.  The event was topped off with the trophy presentations and a party in the evening.

Anyone for tennis?

The Mens Doubles Finalists

Radyr LTC is running summer tennis camps during the school holidays – fun sports activities for children.

Visit http://www.radyrtennis.co.uk/school-holidays for more details.