by John Lumley
The 2026 USCTA Burke Cup (40–49 Handicap National Championship) drew an impressive field of 21 players, with competitors traveling from across the country to the RCOP for a weekend of high-quality Court Tennis. The strong turnout set the stage for a tournament filled with competitive matches, exciting rallies, and excellent sportsmanship.
Top seed Jericho Seguin put together a composed and consistent run to the semifinals, blending steady play with well-timed pace to keep his opponents off balance. He met Alex Dean in a tightly contested semifinal that proved to be one of the matches of the event. Both players produced superb tennis and battled game for game, but Seguin edged through in a pair of nail-biters, 6/5, 6/5, after a match that could easily have gone either way.
On the opposite side of the draw, Joey Gingold was in outstanding form. Displaying smooth stroke production, excellent movement, and sharp court awareness, he applied constant pressure to his opponents. In his semifinal, Gingold faced Jedd Whitlock and delivered a strong performance to win 6/3, 6/4. The match featured several entertaining rallies, with both players showcasing impressive retrievals and crisp volleys.
The final saw Gingold start quickly, striking excellent length and dictating play from the outset. His movement forced Seguin into extra shots and difficult positions, allowing Gingold to control the tempo and claim the first set 6/2. Seguin fought hard to turn the tide in the second, but Gingold maintained his high level, continuing to apply pressure and close out the match 6/2, 6/2 to secure the title.
Congratulations to Joey Gingold on capturing the 2026 Burke Cup, and thank you to all players who traveled to compete and helped make the championship such a success.
