Melbourne hosted the Bathurst Cups – Men & Women – in March. Patrick Winthrop, Ben Hudson, Henry Smith, Xanthe Ranger and Emily Young represented the USA. Ranger & Young played on the winning “Rest of the World Team” vs. the UK. Winthrop, Smith & Hudson defeated the French to place 3rd in the Bathurst Cup. Well Done USA!
Below is a recap by Alistair Curley.
BATHURST CUPS – THE FINAL WRAP
What a brilliant week of tennis at RMTC, as the best amateur players in the world gathered for the Bathurst Cup and Women’s Bathurst Cup.
Firstly, congratulations to Rest of The World, led by Lea Van Der Zwalmen, who defeated Great Britain by seven matches to six on a thrilling final day of competition. Lea, ably partnered by Saskia Bollerman won the deciding rubber, beating Tara Lumley and Georgie Willis 6/3 6/2. This event – in only its second outing – was a true celebration of women’s tennis. It has quickly become one of our sport’s greatest events.
The Bathurst Cup was regained by Australia, beating Great Britain in the final by 3 matches to 2. Yesterday’s reverse singles saw Robert Shenkman defeat Michael Williams 6/2 6/2 4/6 6/3, setting up a deciding final rubber. However, Kieran Booth was just too strong and experienced for a gallant Ed Kay, winning in straight sets, in a match that was much tighter than the score suggests.
Well done, Australia, a great win!
In the 3rd place play off, USA defeated France by 4 matches to 1, with Patrick Winthrop leading his team to victory.
Last night, everyone gathered for a celebration dinner in the historic setting of the Rackets Court at the Melbourne Club. There were fine words from all the Captains (who knew that Tara Lumley was a poet?!) with the magical garden and warm weather the perfect setting for this finale.
This week was also notable for the number of young people in the various teams, with Henry Henman (GB) and Oliver Pridmore (Aust) the youngest players to compete in a Bathurst Cup final. The game’s future looks very promising.
ARTA thanks RMTC and their wonderful pro team, plus the Committee of Management led by Richard Pagone for the brilliant hosting of this amazing week. It was an outstanding success.
We look forward to the 2026 Bathurst Cups in France!
PS The show goes on! This week most of the Bathurst Cup players plus Women’s World Champion Claire Fahey move to the Hobart Real Tennis Club for the Australian Women’s Open Singles & Doubles and the Australian Amateur Singles, starting tomorrow. Streaming details to follow shortly.
Alistair Curley, ARTA Chairman
