by Tony Hollins
The U.S. Professional Singles is a highlight of the court tennis season for fans and players. This year was no exception as the competitors headed to Newport, RI, to compete for the coveted Schochet Cup. The field featured nine of the top ten players in the world, and the quality of play lived up to expectations.
The depth of the field was evident for all to see, with multiple close matches keeping the crowd entertained. Robert Shenkman marked his debut with a bang, taking out the number 3 seed, Chris Chapman, in the early stages with an enthralling five-set upset victory. He narrowly lost out to Leon Smart in three grueling 6/5 sets in the following round. Ben Taylor-Matthews and Steve Virgona put on an excellent display of tennis, with Ben edging the match in four sets. In the satellite semi-finals, Robert Shenkman and Tony Hollins traded 6/5 sets before Robert pulled away in the third. Tim Chisholm and Lewis Williams also had a well-contested three-setter, with Tim showing his class, taking the third set 6/4.
Congratulations to Camden Riviere, who defeated John Lumley in the main draw final. The athleticism shown was incredible. The balanced blend of retrieval skills and target hitting from both players made for spectacular points throughout the match. Congratulations to Robert Shenkman, who defeated Tim Chisholm in the satellite final.
Thanks to the tireless work of Ryan Carey, you can re-watch the matches on the USCTA YouTube channel.
It was fantastic to see strong crowds, especially in the early stages of the event. Thanks to some help from local media outlets, members of the public were invited to see the game for the first time, adding some new faces in the galleries.
Off the court, we were treated to some enjoyable social activities. The USCPTF kicked things off with a sponsored cocktail party in the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Horseshoe Piazza. Northfield Information Services filled the stands on Wednesday evening as Dan DiBartolomeo took on Camden Riviere in an informational exhibition and cocktail event. Steve and Ellen DeVoe welcomed the players and sponsors to their home for a cookout.
A big thank you to all of the billeters who opened their doors to the players: Deanna Conheeny, Ellen and Steve Devoe, Doug Shear, the Winthrops, Michael Lanza, Diane Carhart and Jay Ankenbrock, Patrick Wood-Prince, Amy and Jeremy Wintersteen. The professionals hugely appreciate it.
The event would not have been possible without the generous support of so many. We sincerely thank the Schochet Family, the United States Court Tennis Preservation Foundation, the United States Court Tennis Association, Northfield Information Services, USCTA National Fund (Lot12), and the National Tennis Club Annual Sponsorship Program contributors.
Click here for the complete draws, tournament program and streaming replays
Photo by Adrian Flatgard
Photo by Kate Lucey
Tony Hollins, John Lumley, Camden Riviere & Phil Stockton Photo by Kate Lucey
