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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

JUNIOR OPEN GETS UNDERWAY

Warm weather yesterday heralded the start of the Windsor Junior Open.
A flurry of early morning activity at the club in preparation for the arrival of the competitors and their entourages, was followed by an almost seemless completion of the opening days matches.
As the temperature soared, the competitors kept their cool under the watchful eye of referee Lucy Taylor and Junior tournament organiser Suni McWalter.
A total of 47 matches were concluded and many of the competitors will return today to play in further rounds or in new categories.
The forecast for thundery showers has not yet affected the order of play and with tomorrows bumper set of matches, when the doubles events also kick in, the organisers are keeping everything crossed for yet another uninterrupted day of entertaining and competitive tennis.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

WISH YOU WERE HERE!! A member's account of the Wimbledon Men's Singles Final 2008

It’s Wimbledon finals day and Richard and I are late. Can u believe it? we've missed the first 3 games. It's 2-1 Roger when we finally get to our seats. Wow man! This is unreal, I’ve been to the Olympics and big sporting occasions but this is a dream come true, we've got the Best seats in the house, right on the service line 12 rows up right behind Roger. Centre court is packed. Richard look over there Bjorn Borg and... Brad Gilbert and 'him with the blonde hair' points out Richard, Boris Johnson. La crème de la crème are here and so are we, I’m in heaven.
Game on, I’m still soaking up the ambience as Rafa takes the first set. Roger had his chances but Rafa would have none of it. The second set goes with serve until Roger breaks, he’s 4-2 up. He's going to win this one I say, Richard agrees. NO! says Rafa and he seals it with a 'vamos'
We're in shock, how could this be? Roger was 2 sets down and we feared it could be over in straight sets. The tennis had been great but nothing compared to what was about to come.
First rain break. We go for a sandwich. ‘Look it's Michael Stich!'. We follow him into the gents. Richard asks ' So Michael who's your money on?’
‘I said roger at the start I’ll stick with Roger’, says Michael.
Back on court the tension is mounting, 3rd set goes with serve; Rafa has his tactic spot on, play Roger's back hand. Roger has been missing it down the line. My brain has gone numb I can't remember when the 1st match point came, but Rafa keeps to his game plan and attacks the back hand. This time Roger nails it, a screamer of a back hand down the line. The crowd goes wild. Chants of Roger! Roger! Roger! echo around centre court and he wins the 3rd on the breaker. We all want it to go the distance, well, I do anyway. The 4th goes to a tie break the tennis is awesome winners from every angle Roger's forehand is travelling at warp speed Rafa's top spin is hitting every line. The 2 best players in the world by far are playing the best tennis the planet as ever seen on the most prestigious court in the world.
Suddenly It all goes quiet! 4th set tie break, Roger is 5-2 down. My heart is in my mouth my all body is shaking I look up to the sky and say’ please don't let it end here' it's over in a flash, Rafa double faults and Roger hits 2 winning serves and wins the set. It's madness. I missed a point somewhere but who cares. It’s 2 sets all. We are sure Roger is going to go on and win it from here. His serve had kept him in the game but we fear that if he was to loose it, it would be game over. He was twice 0-30 and served is way out of trouble.
Text messages are flying in from friends and colleagues’ take me with you next year'
'This is better then the world cup final' 'send me a pic.' 2 all deuce in the 5th. Second rain delay. Quick lets get a coffee
No time, covers are off, we rush back just in time to see Roger serve 2 aces. 3-2 Roger. I had been on the edge of my seat since we sat down but now I was like a yo-yo. The couple on my right had cracked open a bottle of champagne and were high on bubbly, the man next to Richard who missed the two aces cause he came back late thought I was a total nutter. Half the crowd was shouting Roger including me the other half Rafa. It sounded like Ro-fa Ro-fa. The woman in front of me, she couldn't shout! she had a mouth full of strawberries and cream. Surely Roger was going to do it now, he's going to rewrite the history books.
The tennis hits a new level, both players are inventing new shots in each rally, The speed and agility is mind boggling. 3 all, Roger... Rafa chants the crowd... 4-3 Roger. If he breaks now he can serve for the match ... New balls please! Roger gets a new racket, I shout ' get the magic wand Roger' but the body language says it all. Rafa came back after the last rain break really pumped up, his biceps looking bigger then ever and the balls were begging for mercy every time he hit one. 4 all ...5 all... 6all... 7all. It’s 9.05 pm, it's getting dark now, how can they see the ball? I got to hand it to Rafa, I wanted Roger to win so he could make history but Rafa is the man. He was the best player, he took everything Roger threw at him and then broke him. The expectation of history was too much for Roger.He looked tired. 7 all, Roger's first serve has deserted him. I've got my hands over my ears and my head between my knees.
I can't watch...I Miss some points. Roger hits one of his trademark forehand half way up the net, he's in trouble, Rafa then hits a cross court back hand at double warp speed+1 it's a screamer. Roger's head drops Rafa punches the air with a 'si'. Roger hits another forehand in the net exact same shot as the previous one, Rafa has the break. He's the man... really! He could even play another set in total darkness and still hit winners. He serves for the crown. I'm getting my camera ready the end is near, I miss 2 points. Rafa's game plan has been serve the back hand. This time he surprises Roger and hits a 115 mph on the forehand in near total darkness, Roger frames it. Championship point. Rafa serves to the backhand, Roger nails it down the line Rafa just gets it back over the net, Roger comes in like an express train but the ball is so close to the net he doesn't get the top spin to clear it.
It's all over! The king of clay has done it. The once invincible maestro, the man with the magic wand has finally been beaten, not by brute force, but by optimum power under control. Rafa is rolling on the grass, centre court is lit up with flash lights. I take my picture just as the lady with the strawberries stands up, nice pic. Got the back of her head!!!!
Rafa... You are such a beast on court and so humble and respectful in the interview.' rai verri rappy I win'. Yes Rafa u are now amongst the all time greats of tennis. Hail king Rafa! and thank you Rafa, this was one of the best moment of my life. It's been 3 days now and I’m still buzzing.


Patrick Robert

Monday, July 14, 2008

Club Closed Tournament Finals Day


I am delighted to inform you that Finals Day on Saturday was a huge success, largely because the weather was kind which meant that we were able to witness almost uninterrupted quality tennis the whole day long. Indeed the last match only finished @ 7.30pm!!

The spectators were not disappointed and the majority found it hard to leave as support for Kieran Muir (18yrs) to make club history gathered momentum. Having struck his first ball of the competition at 9.40am and his last, at almost 7.30pm, Kieran remained 'on fire' 'til the end and must be congratulated for being the first member of the club to be in 5 finals (the maximum he was eligible for) and be victorious in all. His attitude & commitment, let alone the quality of his tennis was exemplary. His partners in the doubles events should also be applauded as the weight of responsibility on their shoulders not to 'slip up' must have been enormous.

There were the usual epic battles in the Veterans' matches as 'old war horses' refused to lie down.

It takes a special kind of attitude to play your opponent in a singles final and lose only to have to partner them in a doubles event as was the case in both the boys U18 singles final (Kieran M & Ben Smith) & the ladies singles (Asa Thoren & Juliet Ball).

All in all it was a real celebration of tennis for both young & old and it was a pleasure to witness.
The evening presentations was a more relaxed affair and a fitting end to the day where the winners could revel in the limelight a little longer and accept the congratulations of their fellow members and families.
With the firepits on the terrace and the subtle sounds of the piano wafting through the air the evening stretched ahead into the night. With good humour the evening reluctantly ended and I am sure that there were a few sore heads on Sunday.
Renette Connolly (Club President) accompanied by Dick Van Den Bergh presented trophies to the winners including the annual award to the most improved Junior - Luke Hughes. John Lumley was awarded the junior award for 'Good Sportsmanship'.
Flowers were presented to Helen Miles & Suni McWalter as a special thanks for organising the tournament so well.

Congratulations to all of those who took part in the competition as a whole.

Information about the 'handicap' tournament due to start in September will be issued shortly.

WLTC Club Closed Finals 12.07.08 Results



U16 Girls Singles Tara Lumley (played 04.07.08) 6-2/6-0

U14 Boys Singles George Irwin 6-0/6-1

U18 Boys Singles Kieran Muir 6-0/6-0

Boys Doubles Kieran Muir/Ben Smith 6-7/6-4/6-1

Ladies Singles Juliet Ball 6-2/5-7/7-5

Gentleman’s Singles Kieran Muir 6-3/7-5

Ladies Doubles Tracey & Alison Fordyce 7-5/4-6/6-1

Men’s Doubles Kieran Muir & Ben Smith 6-1/7-5

Mixed Doubles Susan Humphreys/Kieran Muir 6-2/6-4

Veteran Men’s Singles Paul Heckford 5-7/7-5/6-2

Veteran Ladies Doubles Jenny Miles/Marnie Watson 4-6/6-1/6-2

Veteran Men’s Doubles Robin Halliday/Christopher Hewlett 6-3/6-3

Veteran Mixed Doubles Lynn & Paul Heckford 6-1/6-3

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Windsor Junior Open 2008

The Junior Open Entry Form for 2008 is available to download.
Please click on the Junior page and follow the link.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Wimbledon Draw 2008


There was as usual an air of excited expectation in the Windsor Club lounge on the 6th May ,not because we were expecting any prominent royal visitor to arrive at any moment, no , much more important than that it was the Wimbledon draw !!!!!
The one obvious difference from other years was the reduced number of members present , most likely due to many member`s inability to attend the AGM which disqualified them from this year`s draw . This gave the remaining members greatly reduced odds for coming up trumps for tickets.
I took up my usual place at the bar ordered the delicious food and a beer, and before I could take my first sip ,I heard a familiar voice calling out my name WHAT ,first out of the hat , couldn`t be true .Great balls of fire I thought to myself I really made it this year.And then the dilemma (in previous years the choice was limited , but now the whole of Wimbledon was at my feet) eventually after much soul searching I went for the 2nd Thursday,which also happens to be my birthday aaaah nice eh? then of course the painful bit ,paying for the tickets,pricy, but worth every penny, it`s just such a great day out . I hung around the bar for another hour or so commiserating with those who didn`t get any tickets & comparing notes with those who did, it was a well organized evening , with everyone enjoying the atmosphere in the newly refurbished clubhouse.
Martin J Morris

Friday, May 16, 2008

Planning Permission Granted

Planning permission for the proposed redevelopment of the function room & therapy room was granted on 14th April 2008.The integration of these two ground floor areas along with some additional space behind court three will give way to a suite of self contained physiotherapy consulting rooms with a seperate entrance from the car park.The work is currently out for tender and will be awarded by the end of next week.It is envisaged that the redevelopment work will commence early June with an expected completion by the end of July in time for the new tenants to take occupancy.Utilisation of the integrated space will not only provide a steady source of income for the club but will hopefully be of use to members 'on the doorstep'. Revised plans will be on display soon in the Mustill Lounge.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Tinsel Tennis Tournament by David Oldcorn


On Sunday the 16th December eight keen enthusiasts took part in the Tinsel Tennis Tournament. Those who played enjoyed some good tennis, all playing seven lots of 5 games, with different partners and opponents each time. Most matches were very close, a 3 to 2 result being the norm, but ultimately Peter Chambers and Lucy Henning were declared worthy winners and received a fine bottle of wine each, whilst the second best scores were obtained by Charles Winterton and Sukie Bhart who each received a new can of tennis balls. Perhaps the highlight of the afternoon, however, was the appetising reward for all, of scrumptious mince pies and a glass of wine, all consumed with much seasonal chatter.

Junior Christmas Party


The juniors have had a very successful year ending with a fantastic Christmas Party.We had 13 under 10s and 17 over tens who attended a fun and games party. The under tens also had a surprise visit from SANTA. Katarina was fantastic and helped set up. Hazel Oakes and Avril Hewlett also came along and lent a helping hand. Thank you again to all who attended and a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all...hope you've been good and SANTA does visit.