* The Science (and Art) of Spin

Sep 29, 2012 | Uncategorized

I cannot be the only one who has been thrown off by a ball that seemingly had a mind of its own, either lurching off the wall and away from the path of my stroke, or worse, straight into my body.  This degree of wonkiness –unique to court tennis amongst the racket sports because of the relatively large amount of friction between the ball and the wall – is the result of what we Americans call English, the English call side, and what the French call it is anyone’s guess.  Regardless of its designation, it is crucial to understand this… Read the Full Story >

* The Portrait of a Champion

Sep 29, 2012 | Uncategorized

This past summer we were strolling through the National Portrait Gallery in London and came upon a special exhibit, the BP Portrait Award 2012. In its thirty-third year, the Portrait Award is a major event in the art world; this year the NPG selected fifty-five works from over two thousand entries. Some of them were fantastic, others outer-wordly.  On one wall, we stumbled upon someone we knew: the world champion of tennis. “Rob Fahey on Court,” by Rupert Alexander, is an oil on canvas measuring 3.1 feet by 2.2 feet and depicts Rob on the hazard side of the court… Read the Full Story >

* Americans Dominate French Open

Sep 29, 2012 | Uncategorized

Americans dominated the finals of the 2012 French Open held in Bordeaux. Camden Riviere defeated Tim Chisholm, 6/5,6/4,6/2 for the Singles title. Riviere and Chisholm teamed up to win the Doubles 6/3,4/6,6/2,6/5 over Steve Virgona and John Lumley. Anyone know when the last time two Americans played each other in an Open final? Complete draws 

* 2012 Under 12 & Under 15 Junior Tournament

Sep 6, 2012 | Uncategorized

Newport will host the 2012 Under 12 and Under 15 Singles and Doubles Championships on October 5-7. Open to all players 15 and under, the weekend will combine match play and coaching for a fun weekend of tennis! For more information see the attached flyer. Note: the Under 18 and Under 21 Singles and Doubles Championships will be held on June 21-23 in Philadelphia.

* Leamington Gets Photo Book

Sep 1, 2012 | Uncategorized

One of England’s older tennis clubs has just gotten a very rare treat: a professional photographer has documented it. Ray Spence is a freelance fine art photographer who just shot the Leamington Real Tennis Club. Award-winning and constantly exhibiting, he lectures at the Birmingham Institute of Art & Design and is the author of many photography books.             In July 2012 Spence exhibited photographs in Leamington Spa from his LRTC project. —James Zug USCTA: When did you first hear about or get involved in tennis? Ray Spence: I knew of the existence of real tennis for a number of years… Read the Full Story >

* Chicago Opening – Registration Form

Aug 22, 2012 | Uncategorized

The Racquet Club of Chicago will host a grand opening tournament weekend on October 25-28, 2012. Please see the attached flyer for information regarding the weekend. To enter, please fill out and return the attached form CHICAGO REGISTRATION FORM Here is a list of hotels that are within easy walking distance of the Racquet Club of Chicago at which we have secured preferential rates for the opening weekend in October: The Indigo, 1244 North Dearborn (312-787-4980). Ask for Racquet Club group block rate. Reservations must be made by September 13th. Four Seasons Chicago, 120 East Delaware Place (312-280-8800). Reservations must… Read the Full Story >

* Van Alen Cup 2012

Jul 30, 2012 | Uncategorized

The Van Alen Cup was held on July 6 and 7 at The Queen’s Club in London. A biennial event between the US and the UK, the tournament features top players under the age of 25 for two days of match play. Representing the US were Pat Winthrop (Captain), Dylan Ward, Clayton Vaughters, Zach Sacks and Amanda Avedissian. Although they put up a good effort, the UK proved to be too strong, fielding a team ranging from +0.3 to 13.1. Tough! Results: Jamie Douglas (hdcp +0,3) def. Pat Winthrop 6/1,6/0 Mark Mathias (hdcp 12.1) def. Dylan Ward 6/2,6/1 Conor Medlow… Read the Full Story >