Freddie Bristowe wins 2022 Below Zero – defeating Tony Hollins 4-6, 6-0, 6-1
The Racquet and Tennis Club hosted the 2022 Below Zero from October 3rd
through the 6th. A total of sixteen of the country’s professional and
top-amateur players competed for the prize of Below Zero champion.
Unfortunately, top-seed and past winner, Barney Tanfield, was forced to
withdraw shortly before the event leading to a shake-up in the draw. Josh
Dodgson, Tony Hollins and Adrian Kemp were the top seeded professionals,
with Jon Crowell and Freddie Bristowe leading the amateur ranks.
The event began on Monday the 3rd with a highly competitive Pro-Am
competition. Chris Oberbeck teamed up with R&TC Professional James Stout
to capture the title ahead of C. Winston Simone and Josh Dodgson.
Below Zero matches began Monday afternoon with all the top-seeds
successfully navigating their first round matches. Pete Dickinson produced a
confident performance to down Zach Sacks in straight sets, while Jon Crowell
bested Henry Smith in a well fought victory.
The Quarter Finals pitted new R&TC professional, Tony Hollins, against R&TC
Club Champion, Ben Stein. Stein came out guns blazing and took the first set
with his typically unorthodox but effective assault. Hollins leveled things up by
winning the second. The final set was closely fought all the way, with Hollins
edging it 6/4. The next two Quarters were more routine affairs with Kemp
downing Whitehouse, and Bristowe beating Crowell with a staggering run of
targets. The last Quarter Final of the day was contested between Josh
Dodgson and Philadelphia’s Pete Dickinson. Most in the gallery expected a
routine victory for Dodgson; however, Dickinson had other ideas. Dodgson
took the first, before a flurry of dedans from Dickinson brought things level at
one set all. Dodgson regrouped and, thanks to his trademark railroad, he was
able to secure the final set.
The Semi Finals were no less exciting. A focused and determined Hollins was
able to once again bounce back from losing the first set to take down Kemp in
three sets. During the bottom Semi Final, Dodgson and Bristowe served up a
high quality battle with the youngster having the fresher legs towards the end
and prevailing in three sets.
The Final was played on Thursday October 6th, and was the highlight of a big
night of sporting and social activity at the club. The Knott-Stephens Tour was
in town, bringing with it some excellent racquets play throughout the
afternoon. The Below Zero Final was preceded by the final of the club’s (and
possibly the world’s) largest Court Tennis tournament – the All-Comers
Summer Handicap. Beginning on International Tennis Day, June 20th, this
event has been played throughout the summer. William Berkowitz and George
Tilghman put on a spectacular display of tennis, with Tilghman ensuring a
victory for the handicap committee, winning 10-9.
The Below Zero Final began with both players looking to assert their
dominance over the serving end. Hollins and Bristowe had each used their
railroad serves to tremendous effect throughout the event and this match was
no exception. The first set was tight and, at times, either player looked like he
could prevail, but it was Hollins who edged it out.
Freddie fought back with a healthy mix of targets, length and excellent rallying
throughout the second set and roared to a commanding lead. Despite the
valiant efforts from Hollins, Tony wasn’t able to stem the tide and Bristowe
carried on his momentum to win the second, and clinch the third. Freddie’s
great success seems likely to continue, and we all hope that he will continue
his rapid progress in the coming years. Freddie became the first amateur to
claim the Below Zero title and that very evening he boarded a plane to
represent the United States at the Bathurst Cup in London.
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, the USCTA & the USCTPF. Special thanks also go out to the
Below Zero Committee Chairmen, Ted Goneos & Dan Laukitis, and the R&TC
employees for putting on a great event. Without their patronage and support,
the event would not be possible. Freddie also thanked his parents, both of
whom were in attendance, for their tremendous love and support.
