The Silver Racquet Invitational and New York Open Handicap were played in New York at the Racquet and Tennis Club on November 10th – 13th. In total there were 8 draws contested over the weekend in 3 sports; 4 in Court Tennis, an Invitational Squash Doubles draw featuring most of the best players in the country and 3 Racquets draws. Notably, Addison West (NY) won the Squash Doubles with partner Whitten Morris (NY). The stag dinner on Thursday night had over 30 in attendance and the Silver Racquet Dinner Dance accommodated 475 for a sit down dinner with an additional 200 joining for dessert and dancing. The quality of the social events was only matched by the quality of play.
The Silver Racquet Court Tennis Invitational had 12 players including 5 players with handicaps of 12 or better. Patrick Winthrop (Newport), defending champion, was in fine form and went through Simon Aldrich (NY) in straight sets on Saturday in the quarter-finals. Winthrop’s Sunday morning semi-final versus Lex Miron (NY) went the distance. In his methodical manner, Miron kept points long and challenged Winthrop through the first set only to be topped 6-4. The second set was hard fought with Miron coming out ahead 6-4. Miron jumped to a 2-0 lead in the final set with game points at 2-0, 2-1 and 2-2 none of which came to fruition. Winthrop rolled through and won 6-3 in the third in 2 hours and 10 minutes for his place in the finals.
Alexis Hombrecher (NY) struggled through his quarter-final match on Saturday against Jeremy Wintersteen (Boston). Wintersteen won a convincing 1st set 6-4. Hombrecher battled back in the second set with countless forces and well cut returns of serve to a 6-3 result, leveling the match. Wintersteen jumped ahead in the final set and found himself ahead 5-3, 40-15. Hombrecher defended two match points to claw his way to 4-5. Hombrecher again relied on forces, grilles and well cut returns to prevail 6-5 in the 3rd set. Wintersteen’s hustle and amazing gets throughout the match were impressive. Hombrecher went on to a straight set, decisive victory on Sunday morning against Shawn Herlihy (Boston) in the semi-finals for his place in the finals.
The final on Sunday afternoon was a repeat of 2010. Hombrecher and Winthrop both played with precision and strength producing exciting tennis in front of a packed gallery. Winthrop prevailed the year prior and he played with great confidence throughout the match. However, Hombrecher’s forcing and patient floor game proved too accurate this year as he won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
The New York Open A division had 19 participants all with handicaps better than 22. Mike Gooding (NY) served remarkable well, complemented by a near flawless floor game to best Preston Quick (Boston) 8-5 in the finals.
The New York Open B Division had 16 participants with handicaps ranging from 24 to 40. The finals pitted Bill Connors (Boston) against Arthur Whitcomb (NY). In a well played match, Connors prevailed 8-6 to take the title.
The New York Open C Division had 23 participants with handicaps ranging from 39.5 to 60. Chris Heffernan (Tuxedo) proved too strong for the competition dropping only 9 games in total through the entire tournament. In the finals Heffernan defeated Chris Hughey (Washington) 8-1 in a well fought match.
The complete draws are attached
To see Michael Do’s photos from the weekend
