by an Interested Observer
The 2023 Parent-Child and Junior Handicap Singles were contested at the Racquet Club of Chicago from January 14th – 16th, 2023. Families from three US clubs made the trip to Chicago; guests from New York, Tuxedo Park, and Westwood Country Club joined the Chicago members vying for the titles. The weekend started with Steve Virgona giving a two-hour clinic for all of the juniors to give them a chance to get used to the court and its characteristics before the tournament.
In the Parent-Child, there were many fantastic matches throughout the weekend. Jonathan and Barron Lewis had come through against a formidable pairing in Peter and James Cannon, 6-4, 6-5. Barron showed remarkable improvement throughout the match and played some key shots to gain victory.
The Van Nieuwerburgh’s played to a high level by knocking off the #2 & #3 seeds en route to the final, where they faced the formidable pairing of Max and Mason Drake. The first set went game-for-game, but as the match went on, Max’s experience and steady play proved decisive as the Drake’s won 6-4,6-1.
The Junior Handicap singles were played in a round-robin format, with the group winners going on to the semi-finals. Some of the group play was extraordinary, with some matches coming down to the last point. Kurt Mueller and Hazel Christensen had a great battle, with Kurt finally prevailing by the slimmest of margins, 7-6. Hazel had earlier played Mason Drake in another tough match and won by the same score line, 7-6.
The first semi-final was between two players who knew each other’s games well, Hazel Christensen and Calliope Yannuzzi. Calliope jumped out to a lead before Hazel reeled her in and leveled the match at six. Some steady play and tight serving got Calliope over the line and the win 7-6.
The 2nd semi would see Paul Van Nieuwerburgh play Kurt Mueller. Kurt found himself down in the match before staging a strong comeback to level the match at six-all. In the final game of the match, Paul controlled the game from the service end and ran out the winner 7-6.
The final would see two in-form players square off for the title. Calliope raised her game to another level and was a deserving winner, 7-4.
The juniors improved significantly throughout the weekend and displayed fantastic sportsmanship on the court.
Thanks to all players and parents who made it to Chicago for the tournaments. Thank you to the Racquet Club General Manager Richard Duggan, Athletic chairman Baker Thompson, Tournament Chair Jonathan Lewis, Head Chef Mike Coronel for his delicious Saturday lunch, and John Cashman and Steve Virgona for marking the tournaments.
Click here for the US Parent Child Draw
Click here for the US Junior Handicap Draw
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Calliope Yannuzzi & Jonathan Lewis
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Mason & Max Drake
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Max & Mason Drake, Paul & Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh
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Calliope Yannuzzi & Paul Van Nieuwerburgh
