By an interested observer
The 2023 US 50s Singles & Doubles were contested at the Racquet Club of Chicago from March 24 – 26. Players from three US clubs made the trip to Chicago; guests were from Newport, Boston, and Aiken joining the Chicago members vying for the titles.
The tournament began on Friday with Peter Dunne edging out another local, Brad Beatty 6-4 6-1. In the next match, Rowan Carroll and Chip Von Weise had a tight contest with Rowan proving a little too steady and gaining the victory 6-4 6-2.
The Friday night cocktail party guests were treated to some fine play with the doubles matches proving very entertaining. In a wonderful atmosphere the partnerships of John Pak and Chip Von Weise along with Vaughan Massie and Rowan Carroll were too strong for their opponents, both winning in straight sets. The night’s final match saw Jeremy Wintersteen face off against local Chicago member Andrew Fritz. Andrew produced some of his best tennis to date, pushing Jeremy consistently from corner and forcing him to raise his level of play. There were some amazing restes and the score line didn’t do the match justice with Jeremy prevailing 6-2 6-1.
Players then moved to the Men’s grill for dinner to discuss the high level of play we had just witnessed. Jeremy continued to improve throughout the event and ran out the eventual winner over Vaughan Massie in the final by the score 6-1 6-0. The doubles saw some great action, in particular, the game between John Pak and Chip Von Weise Vs Peter Dunne and Max Drake. The match went game for game, with some sensational gets and fast-paced exchanges at the net and in defense of the openings. With some clinical play and tight serving Peter and Max just edged out their opponents 6-5 6-5. In the final, Jeremy and Shawn Herlihy were on a mission and, with relentless play and solid defense, won the final over Peter and Max 6-1 6-2. Thanks to all of the players who made it to Chicago for the tournaments.
Thank you also to the Racquet Club General Manager Richard Duggan, Athletic chairman Baker Thompson, Tournament Chair Peter Dunne, Head Chef Mike Coronel for his delicious hors d’oeuvres and meals throughout the weekend and also to John Cashman, Steve Virgona and Conor Medlow for marking the tournaments.
