by Dawson Lane
Eight teams convened at The Tuxedo Club June 13th – 15th to compete in the 20-25 USCTA Mixed Doubles National Championships.
Tournament organizer Tim Chisholm decided to alter the ‘traditional’ format slightly to get as much competitive play as possible for all the entrants.
The top (3) teams with team HCPs under 30 were all placed into the semi-finals of the main draw, with the other (5) teams competing in a round robin competition to determine the 4th semi-finalist of the main draw.
Hazel Christensen & Kurt Mueller, Amy Gold & Dan Laukitis, and Alice Devereux & Spencer Yager all emerged with 3-1 match records after completion of the round robin. The youngsters (Christensen & Mueller) eked out 1st place by having won the greatest number of sets.
Main Draw
The 1st semi-final saw Meldrum & Batstone take on Fitz-Patrick and Chase Motz in a highly anticipated match. There were many entertaining points, and the spectators were treated to some great tennis even though the score may not have reflected the standard of tennis. Meldrum and Batstone served notice that they were here to take home the title.
Tournament favorites Xanthe Ranger & Noah Motz displayed why both players are so respected in the game of court tennis not only for their abilities but also their sportsmanship in taking on the ‘future’ in Hazel Christensen & Kurt Mueller. A straightforward win for Ranger & Motz but thoroughly entertaining points for the spectators and a great experience for the youngsters.
3rd / 4th Place Main Draw
The Motz family shown again in the 3rd / 4th place match as Chase Motz & Ashley Fitz-Patrick earned the 3rdplace spot on the podium keeping the Christensen/Mueller tandem at bay, at least in 2025. Very exciting time in the game to see Ashley’s racquet skills on the court tennis court, along with the progress being made by the Tuxedo youngsters.
Main Draw Championship Match
The dedans in Tuxedo were full in anticipation of the 2025 USCTA Mixed Finals. Meldrum & Batstone had served notice in their semi-final match that they were primed and ready to give Ranger & Motz all they could handle. Meldrum and Batstone got off to a fast start in the first set, taking advantage of some uncharacteristic errors by Ranger & Motz and cruised to a 6/1 first set. Ranger & Motz righted the ship in the second set and moved out to a quick 4/1 lead in the second set; only to see Meldrum & Batstone fight back to 4/4. A couple tense games later and we were at 1 set all! The crowd was ready for a barn burner of a third set…but Meldrum and Batstone had other ideas….as they made very few unforced errors to run away with the 3rd set and the 2025 USCTA Mixed Doubles title!
Back Draw
Round Robin teams that place 2nd – 4th were placed into the back draw for even more tennis . All these teams had to agree they got their ‘money’s worth’ of tennis this weekend. Congratulations of Alice Devereux & Spencer Yager…. the 2025 Back Draw Champions!
