Report by an interested observer
The Racquet Club of Chicago was thrilled to see Professional Court Tennis return with the season’s first National League Challenger Series match.
This season, the 2022 National League will take on a slightly distinct look, with competitive matches organized at different venues between various professionals. It had been two years since the members were treated to a match of this caliber – that event being the 2020 US Open, so it was a keenly anticipated battle.
The doubles match proved to be a 5 set classic that pitted Steve Virgona and Adrian Kemp against Conor Medlow and Barney Tanfield. Steve and Adrian started stronger than their opponents as they played a relatively error-free first set, taking it 6/1. Conor and Barney then upped their game and settled in nicely to win the second set 6/3. There were many fantastic rallies throughout, with all players retrieving seemingly impossible shots and extending the rally further. There were many highlights in the match, one featuring a rare smash by Steve into the grille after hitting the floor from the net tape!
The players all raised their games to another level, and, with the match at five games all, either team would have been worthy of victory. After trading sets three and four, the players steeled themselves for a final push to the finish line. Steve and Adrian were fortunate enough to start the game at the service end and, with some tidy serving and accurate shot-making, jumped out to a 40-love lead. That proved enough as they won the last point and the set 6/5.
The next two National League Challenger Series events will be held at the New York Racquet & Tennis Club. The match dates are April 7 and April 26.
Following the match, Greg Van Schaack and Bill McLaughlin gave a report on Charleston Court Tennis and an update on the US Court Tennis Preservation Foundation programs.
It was another fantastic turnout by the Racquet Club membership, with around 75 members attending the event. A huge thanks to Racquet Club General Manager Richard Duggan, Head Chef Mike Coronel for the delicious Thursday Night Buffett, John Cashman for his flawless marking, Barney Tanfield and Adrian Kemp for flying out to play, and all of the Racquet Club members who made it such a memorable night.
