The U.S. National Open was hosted by the Racquet and Tennis Club April 26th to 28th. Fourteen players competed in the Main Draw, eleven US-based professionals were joined by three of the country’s top amateurs.
World #1 Camden Riviere led out a world-class field of entrants, which also included top-seeds Steve Virgona, Nicky Howell and John Lumley. The first match of the tournament featured Mike Noll, a finalist in the inaugural National Open in the late ‘90s. He was able to roll back the years to produce several periods of brilliance but was outdone by the consistency of Leon Smart. Other first-round matches went as projected with handicap; Tanfield, Lumley, Howell, and Kemp all making it through. The match of the day was a tight battle between Josh Dodgson and Jon Crowell. Crowell looked on course to take the first set before Dodgson produced some momentum and edged him out. The second set was of a similar high quality, once again Dodgson won the crucial points to clinch the match. Friday evening concluded with a very special Player’s Cocktail Party in the library, with the top patrons and players enjoying one of the club’s finest rooms.
The quarterfinals began on Saturday morning and featured eight professionals, all of whom were ranked in the World’s top-20. Riviere looked to be in top form during his straight sets victory over Smart. Tanfield produced some spectacular moments in his match with Lumley but was unable to overcome his opponent’s relentless consistency. In the afternoon matches, Howell showed why he has made a leap up the rankings, seeing off Dodgson with minimal fuss. Virgona then held off New York’s Kemp in an entertaining affair.
In conjunction with the main draw, a lively Pro-Am was held. Ted Goneos and James Asher were victorious in the morning group, Peter Cannon and Leon Smart took the honors in the afternoon session. It was commented that some of the action was almost as spectacular as in the professional draw!
The semifinals were to be contested by the top-4 seeds; Riviere taking on Lumley, and Virgona playing Howell. A packed dedans were treated to a masterclass in retrieving by Riviere and Lumley, with both players making the impossible seem routine. Lumley has had a breakthrough season and seemed close to taking his biggest scalp to date. However, Riviere was able to take control during the crucial moments and ran out with the victory in two tight sets.
The final was played between Riviere and Virgona, two players who both have multiple National Open titles to their names. As is tradition, the Final was to be contested over the best of 5 sets. Riviere had the better of their recent exchanges and was quickest out of the blocks, racing to the first set without the loss of a game. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Virgona unable to secure a foothold in the match. Riviere was relentless with his target hitting, even from seemingly defensive situations, and took the second set 6-1. Virgona never gave up hope, and his determination was rewarded at the start of the third set. A variation in service, coupled with some more aggressive play from the hazard end, moved him into an early 3-1 lead. Chances to strengthen this advantage came and went, proving costly as Riviere dug in and ended up taking the set 6-3, and the match in straight sets.
In their post-match speeches, the players both expressed their gratitude for the generous patronage of the Racquet and Tennis Club membership, Pro-Am participants, and Title Sponsors, Bardyl Tirana and the USCTA. Special thanks also go out to the National Open Committee Chairman, Ted Goneos, and the R&TC employees for putting on a great event. Without this patronage and support, the event would not be possible.
Matches from the quarterfinals onwards were all streamed live, and are available to watch on the USCTA YouTube channel. Many thanks must go to Ryan Carey who gave his time and expertise to make this possible.
Photos by Barney Tanfield
Camden Riviere, Ted Goneos & Steve Virgona Photo by Barney Tanfield
