The Racquet and Tennis Club had the pleasure of once again hosting the Below Zero this fall. This year boasted the strongest draw to date in the events 9th anniversary. A strong showing from all the top young players, including America’s newest professional Max Trueman, going head-to-head against the seasoned favorites.
Some new faces, Ross Bolling and Ben Lawrence, emerged from the qualifier draw, after battling through three set matches on Sunday afternoon. The Pro-Am kicked off on Monday morning. Josh Dodgson and Adam Inselbuch made easy work of their group, all while legends Rob Whitehouse and Kip Gould made slightly harder work of it in the other group. Inselbuch and Dodgson continued their unbeaten form and were crowned the Pro-Am champions.
The early match of the tournament was no doubt New York’s own Peter Dickinson vs Westwood’s Noah Motz. The hard-hitting duo impressed the crowd with fantastic retrieving alongside powerful target striking. All three sets went 6/5 and the crowd were mesmerized by both players performances. After over two and a half hours, both players were running on fumes but it was Noah who managed to triumph in the final points in a match that won’t be forgotten for a longtime by the players or spectators alike.
Three R&TC professionals made efficient work of their Tuesday morning opponents in straight sets, queuing up some interesting matchups. The last addition to the semifinals was Tony Hollins who was able to outlast the Freddie Bristowe’s assault and capture the last two sets.
Head Professionals Barney Tanfield and James Stout lead the semifinals off with an amazing display of targets and retrieving, but it was ultimately Tanfield who shot his way through the first set and claimed the second. With his spot in the final secured after being sidelined the previous two years, Tanfield was left to face either Dodgson or Hollins. While Hollins played a sharp and steady game it was the home pro who commanded the court setting an all R&TC final.
Tanfield and Dodgson have historically had very tight matches and the final followed suit. The atmosphere was electric from the get-go, with the torn crowd cheering for good tennis. Tanfield, with some decisive tennis took the first set 6/3. Dodgson then responded with a good lead in the second set that he was able to hold onto to clinch it 6/3. The match concluded in a crowd pleasing 5 games all, 30/30 fashion. Dodgson closed out the match and claimed his first Below Zero title.
It must be said that this event would not be possible if not for the generous patronage of the Racquet and Tennis Club membership, Pro-Am participants, the United States Court Tennis Association and the United States Court Tennis Preservation Foundation. Special thanks also go out to the Below Zero Committee Chairman, Ted Goneos, Dan Laukitis, and the R&TC employees for putting on a great event. We look forward to hosting another successful event next year.
Josh Dodgson, Ted Goneos & Barney Tanfield
Pro-Am Winners – Josh Dodgson & Adam Inselbuch with Finalists – Kip Gould & Rob Whitehouse
