By Chris Aley
Prince’s Court welcomed players from Newport, New York, Boston and Philadelphia to the 2018 USCTA Amateur Doubles championship – the draw boasted some of America’s finest players, and the standard of play was exceptional.
Early rounds all went the way of the seeded players, with local pair Dan Sternberg and Vu Hoang having set points against the number 2 seeds Danny McBride (Princes) and Todd Meringoff (Boston) – eventually losing 5-6 1-6.
The final was a treat, played over the best of five sets, it allowed for an incredible comeback. Number one seeds Pat Winthrop (Newport) and Lex Miron (New York) led 6-2 6-2, before a nail-biting third set went to McBride and Meringoff 6-5. A change in tactics for the #2 seeds, and Todd connecting better with his volleys allowed for a momentum swing; the fourth set went their way 6-2 and it was all to play for in the fifth and final set. Some experienced play allowed Danny and Todd to remain on top, eventually winning the set, and the match 2-6, 2-6, 6-5, 6-2 6-3 – a really incredible performance.
We’d like to thank all who turned out for the event, and those Prince’s members who turned up to watch at all stages of the tournament.
