by Victoria Scott
Mark your calendars! June 20 is our tenth annual International Tennis Day, and we have organized an international committee to promote the day, with leaders in all four playing nations. My name is Victoria Scott (from the Racquet Club of Philadelphia), and I am taking the lead for the U.S. effort this year. Both the USCTA and the Preservation Foundation have been great influences in making sure that every club in the U.S. is participating and that this year is our most memorable year yet. Here’s what we can look forward to this year and what you and your friends can do to promote our wonderful sport.
The New York Racquet and Tennis Club is putting on their annual All-Comers—a fully handicapped tournament for everyone in the club with no brackets. I was going to quote the newest and youngest member of the R&T staff (and my good friend), Peter Dickinson, but he politely declined since this is his first ITD with R&T and he hasn’t seen the magic happen; so, I asked one of my favorite members instead, Wells Ross.
“International Tennis Day, and the start of the All-Comers Tournament at The Racquet and Tennis Club, provides a great opportunity for all members to celebrate the game we all love,” Ross said. “The All-Comers is particularly enjoyable and gives those of us with higher handicaps that chance to play against the best with a banned Tambour!” The Tennis and Racquet Club and the National Tennis Club will fight for the Patriot Cup, a heated match, with Newport taking on Boston on International Tennis Day. Tony Hollins, Head Tennis Professional, shared, “We’ll have a full day of action in the battle for New England court tennis dominance.” Who do you think will take the reign of New England court tennis?
Since 2014, International Tennis Day has been an annual celebration to raise the profile and catalyze interest in our game of tennis. This year at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, we will play a “Cramped Odds” tournament and host an International Tennis Day-themed party. Court tennis balls, racquets everywhere, and signature cocktails named after the greats; “The Lumley” is my favorite: vodka, pineapple juice, and a splash of soda and grenadine. We hope to see some great outfits and listen to groovy tunes all night!
A great idea came from Westwood Country Club. James Greenley and Ivan Ronaldson are planning a fancy-dress-themed mini-tournament—four teams dressed in National gear of the U.S., United Kingdom, France, and Australia. I can’t wait to see pictures—and videos—from that! I am looking at you, Tony Lago!
International Tennis Day lasts thirty-nine hours—from the stroke of midnight in Australia that starts June 20 to the stroke of midnight in Chicago that, ends that night. Everyone participating in International Tennis Day should upload photos on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok) using the official hashtag #itennisday with your banner. Follow the hashtag #itennisday throughout the day and interact with the global community.
On behalf of the ITD Committee, we cannot wait to see your photos and recaps of the events and send our thanks and appreciation to all participating! Tune in for a full recap of International Tennis Day 2023 in the July issue of Chase the First.
