By Jonathan Lewis
The Racquet Club of Chicago played host to the Greevy Cup (handicaps 20-29) from January 24 – 26. Members John Pak and Jonathan Lewis participated, ultimately losing to Aiken competitors Sawyer Duncan and Geoff Ellis, respectively. In what was an exciting final, Geoff Ellis won a tight first set 6-5, with both competitors battling to assert dominance as the set went back and forth. In the second set, Duncan jumped out to an early lead 4-1, before Ellis won two tough games with multiple chases to crawl back into the set 3-4. The eighth game went to eight deuces before Duncan eventually prevailed to go up 5-3, and the match appeared to be headed for a third and deciding set. However, Ellis had other ideas. After gaining serve, he rattled off a quick love game to pull to 4-5 and then successfully defended two chases to go up 30 love. At 40-30, Duncan narrowly missed a force to knot the game at deuce, but instead Ellis laid down a firm tambour shot to even the match at 5-5. In the final game of the set, Ellis went up early after two very long rests and a few minutes later, found himself with what was a seemingly improbable second set, and a well-earned championship, winning 6-5, 6-5. Both competitors played an exceptional quality of tennis and displayed grit, tenacity, and sportsmanship throughout the match. Special thanks to Chef Mike and the staff for a lovely tournament dinner in the Player’s Lounge Friday evening.
