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 twelve of the top fifteen 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. Crowd favorite Robert Fahey entered the event for the first time in a few years, which piqued people’s interest. Many of the new NTC members had never seen the former world champion play live, which drew a large crowd for his opening match against Josh Dodgson. Tim Chisholm pushed world #7, Bryn Sayers in an extremely tight four set match. A newer face on the scene, Louis Gordon, took a set from world #3 Nick Howell. Whenever you stopped by the club, you were treated to a competitive match.
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 Lewis Williams in the satellite final. The satellite is not only a main draw qualifying event but also an important tournament to allow players outside the top 10 in the world to gain meaningful match experience and to develop as professionals and players.
It was fantastic to see strong crowds, especially in the early stages of the event. Thanks to some help from local media outlets and promotion through the International Hall of Fame museum employees, who steered members of the public 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 hosted a cocktail event followed by a players’ dinner. 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, Kendrik de Koning, Amy and Jeremy Wintersteen. The professionals hugely appreciate it.
An enormous thank you to the tireless work of Ryan Carey. You can re-watch the matches on the USCTA YouTube channel.
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.
