By an interested observer
The 2024 Noll Cup was contested at the Racquet Club of Chicago from February 2nd – 4th.
We had 8 players travel to Chicago from New York, Boston, Aiken, Louisville and Washington D.C. There was also a strong field of 15 Chicago players and there were two notable performances in the early rounds. One of those performances goes to Boston’s John Eder, who played much better than his handicap would have suggested in pushing Aiken’s Sawyer Duncan all the way to a 6-5 in the 3rd set battle. The other tremendous performance goes to Chicago’s Ally Fornengo. He had three fantastic wins on the way to the semi-finals, beating fellow Chicagoans Max Drake and Jack Brown, both in straight sets, while also managing to get a tough three set win over Louisville’s Jay Hatcher 6-3 4-6 6-4.
The Noll Cup final of 2024 was between Chicago’s John Pak and Aiken’s Sawyer Duncan. Sawyer had earlier survived a couple of three set thrillers in the tournament, firstly in the Round of 16 against John Eder as mentioned, the other against Boston’s Lee Smith 6-1 3-6 6-3.
In the semi-final, his final score with Vern Cassin was 6-3 6-3 but the match was tighter than the score suggests. John Pak managed to overcome Ally Fornengo in straight sets in the other semi-final after Ally’s impressive tournament run. The final started at a frenetic pace with both players coming out of the blocks quickly. John was slightly steadier and controlled, winning the set 6-2. Sawyer then found another gear, ramping up the pace of the match to take the second set 6-4.
The final set was a brilliant display of athleticism, shot-making and raw talent as both men exhibited shots and retrieving far better than this handicap range. John was always slightly ahead and with some home court knowledge and experience managed to secure the win.
The final score was 6-2 4-6 6-3
Thanks to all of the players who made it to Chicago for the tournament and thanks also to Racquet Club General Manager Richard Duggan, Athletic Chairman Baker Thompson, Tournament Chairman Jonathan Lewis, Head Chef Mike Coronel for his delicious meals throughout the weekend and also to John Cashman, Steve Virgona and Conor Medlow for marking the tournament.
John Pak & Sawyer Duncan
