2023 Westwood Junior Development Weekend

2023 Westwood Junior Development Weekend

The first Junior Development weekend took place on June 2nd and 3rd. Thirteen juniors, five girls and eight boys aged between 11 and 15, participated in 2 days of clinics and doubles match play.    The weekend started Saturday morning with basic skills sessions for juniors with little or no court tennis experience. After lunch, more advanced juniors participated in various court tennis drills. Head Professional Ivan Ronaldson and Assistant Professional James Greenley oversaw these. The afternoon session concluded with some doubles match play. The afternoon session seemed to be a big hit, and most of the juniors stayed together and continued having fun at the swimming pool following the day’s tennis session.   The juniors were… Read the Full Story >

2023 U.S. Pro Singles/Schochet Cup

2023 U.S. Pro Singles/Schochet Cup

by Tony Hollins The U.S. Professional Singles is a highlight of the court tennis season for fans and players. This year was no exception as the competitors headed to Newport, RI, to compete for the coveted Schochet Cup. The field featured nine of the top ten players in the world, and the quality of play lived up to expectations. The depth of the field was evident for all to see, with multiple close matches keeping the crowd entertained. Robert Shenkman marked his debut with a bang, taking out the number 3 seed, Chris Chapman, in the early stages with an… Read the Full Story >

International Tennis Day – June 20 – What to Expect!

International Tennis Day – June 20 – What to Expect!

by Victoria Scott Mark your calendars! June 20 is our tenth annual International Tennis Day, and we have organized an international committee to promote the day, with leaders in all four playing nations. My name is Victoria Scott (from the Racquet Club of Philadelphia), and I am taking the lead for the U.S. effort this year. Both the USCTA and the Preservation Foundation have been great influences in making sure that every club in the U.S. is participating and that this year is our most memorable year yet. Here’s what we can look forward to this year and what you… Read the Full Story >

2023 U.S. Ladies Open

2023 U.S. Ladies Open

by James Greenley Westwood Country Club was honored to host the 2023 U.S. Ladies Open on May 19 – 21. With a draw comprised of players from across the U.S., UK, and France and which countries featured two World Champions, it was sure to be an exciting tournament, and the weekend did not disappoint. Twelve players competed in the singles draw. The first-round matches began on Friday afternoon and fell as expected. However, the final scores did not reflect all the competitive points and the heart with which all ladies played. Both singles semi-finals saw doubles partners pitted against each… Read the Full Story >

2023 Anne Boleyn

2023 Anne Boleyn

by James Greenley Nine players competed in the 2023 Anne Boleyn Ladies’ Handicap weekend. The tournament was held at Georgian Court University on May 5-7, 2023 and included players from the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, Aiken Tennis Club and Westwood Country Club. Using a round-robin format, the players were divided into three groups. The winner of each group went on to play for the Anne Boleyn title. The final was played as a round-robin between Priscilla Person (RCOP), Margaret Werner (RCOP) and Katie Willers (WCC). Person won both of her matches and the title. Werner came in second and Willers… Read the Full Story >

2023 U.S. Amateur ** Updated**

2023 U.S. Amateur ** Updated**

by Erik Barker The 2023 U.S. Amateur, taking place April 27-30 at Westwood Country Club, exhibited staggeringly excellent play from a myriad of motivated players. The tournament kicked off Thursday night with the beloved Ryan Carey knocking off a spirited effort from locals Vern Cassin and Mark Philpott, aided by steady play from Dan Sternberg. Friday morning arrived with some unbelievable matches. John Motz and Bill Barker battled for 2 ½ hours, with Motz eventually prevailing in a game that lasted well over ten minutes. Freddie Bristowe and Henry Smith would edge Ben Hudson and Charlie Hurstel in a highly… Read the Full Story >

2023 Cherry Blossom

2023 Cherry Blossom

2023 Cherry Blossom by Ryan Carey The 2023 Cherry Blossom was held over Easter Weekend at our new home at Westwood Country Club.  We had a robust field of 27 teams for this year’s tournament.  The Westwood Country Club was founded in 1954, so having 54 players seemed like a fitting tribute to Westwood. On opening night, April 6, it was announced that in honor of Ron Blomberg’s historical appearance as the first Designated Hitter in baseball on April 6th, 1973, a rule would be  implemented where a player could choose their partner as a “designated hitter” to return serve… Read the Full Story >

2023 National League Super Event

2023 National League Super Event

by Steve Virgona The first National League Super Event at the New York Racquet & Tennis Club was held from April 3 – 5. Fourteen players from across the country competed on four teams, playing eighteen matches in three days. Team Boomerang, consisting of Steve Virgona, John Lumley, Ben Stein and Freddie Bristowe, won the 2023 National League with three tightly contested team wins. The level of Tennis, sportsmanship, entertainment and camaraderie were all second to none. Team Pique’s Pro-Am team of Christopher Scott, C. Winston Simone and Lincoln Frank took home top honors in stylish fashion with a clean sweep… Read the Full Story >

U.S. 60s and 70s

U.S. 60s and 70s

by John Lumley The Racquet Club of Philadelphia was excited to host the U.S. 60s & 70s Singles and Doubles Championships this year. Peter Hill had a straightforward route to the U.S. 60s singles final, where he met an in-form Steve Hufford. Hufford, who had been moving great all weekend, kept it going with some great length creating tough chases for Hill. Hill, who loves a ball in the air, managed to grab a few key games, but it was Hufford who took home the gold USCTA medal 6-2 6-3. Peter Hill & Mark Philpott had an excellent 60s semifinal… Read the Full Story >

2023 Percy Cup

2023 Percy Cup

by John Lumley We had nine teams descend upon The Racquet Club of Philadelphia for the 2023 Percy Cup. Washington 2 came out the blocks quickly, taking down the number 1 team on Philadelphia 1 8-2, but Haab & Scott tied up the match with an 8-4 win. Knox & Lago played some very steady Tennis putting Skaggs & Barr under pressure, and ended up taking the match 8-5 progressing Washington 2 to the next round. Philadelphia 2 vs. Chicago was up next, and we ended up having two matches go to 7 games-all! Green & Standish stayed steady to… Read the Full Story >