Dear Jane,

Happy New Year! We are so excited for the coming year – so much is happening. But first, let’s take a quick look back at 2024.

2024 was a phenomenal year. Nearly every tournament was fully subscribed, with some selling out in under five minutes! Every club hosted at least one event, with most running multiple tournaments. Non-tournament play at every club is exceptionally active, with old and new players participating.

In April, Chicago hosted a spectacular World Doubles Championship. The week-long tournament featured some great tennis, with Tim Chisholm and Camden Riviere taking home their fifth consecutive title.

Sand Valley joined the ranks with a grand opening in July. At the USCTA Annual Dinner, Charles de Casteja, on behalf of the United States Court Tennis Preservation Foundation (USCTPF), announced an agreement with the newly organized Charleston Racquet Club to build a new court tennis court.  

While play was active in the US, many players also traveled overseas. Our top amateurs visited Australia for the Men’s and Women’s Bathurst Cups. Many seniors went to the UK for the World Masters – Individual and Team Events. While on the other end of the spectrum, our youngest junior players went on a summer tour of UK courts, concluding with playing in the British Junior Championships.

While we added new players to our numbers, sadly, we said goodbye to a few. Among the losses were former World Champion – James F.C. Bostwick. Jimmy Bostwick was one of the greatest amateur athletes of the twentieth century. It’s worth reading the story by James Zug that ran in the May edition of Chase the First. Click here for the link. 

As we look to 2025, we know it will be a fantastic year. The calendar is jam-packed with events, including all of the national championships. Looking for a gold or silver medal? - You better get playing because the action starts in a few weeks. Or at least check out our new Wayward Racquet Club Instructional Videos. Also on tap for this year is the men’s World Championship in September, preceded by the eliminator matches to determine the challenger in the spring. Newport will host the World Championship and the Ladies World Championship, the latter of which will played in May. 

Last, hats off to all USCTA Award winners and Washington for winning the Whitney Cup. Check out our complete coverage of both events in this month’s Chase the First.

Until next month….

Sincerely,

Jane Lippincott - Editor

U.S. Court Tennis Association

2024 Hughes/Slater Award for Outstanding Service to the USCTA - Presented to Mary Livingston by Dacre Stoker

USCTA ANNUAL DINNER

The 27^th annual USCTA dinner and auction took place on Friday, the 13^th of December, at the Racquet and Tennis Club.  200+ court tennis enthusiasts filled the R&T's South Lounge for our annual celebration of the very best of our game.  The convivial atmosphere was infectious for old-timers and newcomers alike.

USCTA President Dacre Stoker emceed the evening like a pro.  He celebrated our successes and remembered our departed friends: James F.C. (Jimmy) Bostwick, Rick Malone, Will Hartigan, Larry McCray, Ed Wadsworth, Russell Gregory, William Shettle and Stephen Smith.

Peter Pell, Whitney Cup Tournament Chairman, welcomed everyone to the Club, recognized the Whitney Cup rookies and reported the Whitney Cup standings after one day of play.

George Bell shared with us "On the Eve of the Whitney Cup," an essay he contributed to the December 2024 issue of Chase the First, extolling the virtues of our great game, the community and good fellowship that our game engenders and his confidence in our game's staying power.

USCTA Vice President Jonathan Lewis discussed our newest, westernmost and tallest court tennis court at Sand Valley in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. He recognized the enormous contribution that Michael Keiser has made to our game by building this fantastic court.  Everyone was encouraged to get up to Sand Valley to play court tennis and possibly golf and lawn tennis.  The court tennis community owes a huge debt of gratitude to Michael Keiser for making this court happen, so the best way to thank him for this gift is to get up to Wisconsin to play.

Speaking of new courts, Charles de Casteja, on behalf of the United States Court Tennis Preservation Foundation (USCTPF), announced an agreement with the newly organized Charleston Racquet Club to build a new court tennis court.  This project has been going on for over ten years and is finally coming to fruition.  The new facility will have one court tennis court, six squash singles courts, two squash doubles courts and two padel courts.  An Opening is slated for late 2025.  Then Adam Haselkorn, a member from Charleston, mentioned how excited the Charleston community is to be getting this court tennis court after so long.

2024 Grassi Family Junior Player of the Year - Presented to

Anson De Vinney by Melissa Purcell and Dacre Stoker

2024 Most Improved Player presented to William Spruance by

Barney Tanfield & Dacre Stoker

PHOTOS BY Marco Calderon

2024 Whitney Cup Champions - Washington

THE WHITNEY CUP

The Racquet & Tennis Club hosted the 90th Annual Payne Whitney Memorial Cup at the peak of New York holiday festivities in December. The Christmas wreaths were hung in the East and West Courts, and anticipation hung thick in the air, with several teams in contention. The previous five years had seen five different winners, and with holders Philadelphia missing a couple of key players, the event was thrown wide open.

The two home teams, New York and Greentree, were pitted against each other in a first-round matchup that hadn't been seen before in some years. Matches were closely fought, but the Greentree team managed to edge out the victory. Philadelphia was the third team in the group and began their title defense against New York. With the tie poised at two matches all, Ken Soffer and Peter Hill were able to record a decisive victory in their seniors' match. The final match in Group 1 saw Greentree and Philadelphia facing off, with the winner progressing to Sunday's Final. The tie once again came down to the fifth and final match. Ben Lawrence and Whitney Cup newcomer Winston Simone held their nerve to record a 6-5 third-set victory to take Greentree through.

New England and Washington appeared to be the strongest teams in Group 2, and both recorded impressive victories over the combined Tuxedo-Aiken-Chicago team. In Saturday afternoon's decisive tie between Washington and New England, the first four matches were shared, and the tie came down to the Seniors match. John Motz and Bill Barker were able to steer their team to victory in a closely fought encounter.

Kris Motz, Chase Motz, Erik Barker, Bill Barker, John Motz (Capt.)

and Noah Motz

Honorary Captain Haven Pell

Arthur Drane, John Lumley, Leon Smart,

Camden Riviere & Matt Mitchell

NATIONAL OPEN

The 2024 USCTA National Open, hosted by the Tennis & Racquet Club in Boston, took place from December 6th to 8th, featuring players from all eight court tennis clubs across the United States in a weekend of top-tier competition.

The first round provided exciting moments, including a gripping three-set battle between Tony Hollins and Ben Hudson. Both players traded momentum in a closely contested match that thrilled spectators. Max Trueman also delivered a strong performance, narrowly defeating Erik Barker 6-5, 6-4 in another standout match.

The quarterfinals featured one of the tournament's most thrilling matches, as Max Trueman nearly upset world number 3, Nick Howell. Trueman pushed Howell to the brink, ultimately falling 6-5 in the final set. Howell's composure and experience carried him to the semifinals. The other quarterfinal matches followed seeding, though Leon Smart was forced to withdraw due to injury.

The first semifinal of Saturday evening saw Steve Virgona put up an impressive fight against world number 2, John Lumley. Virgona's steady play and tactical precision pushed Lumley to a deciding third set before John ultimately prevailed, earning his spot in the final.

In the final, Camden Riviere displayed his signature precision and consistency, defeating John Lumley 6/2, 6-2, 6-5. Riviere's dominant performance capped a weekend of exceptional court tennis and underscored his place at the top of the game.



Adding to the event's festive atmosphere, the Tennis & Racquet Club hosted a "Silver and Gold Soirée" holiday party alongside the tournament on Saturday night. The gathering brought together players, spectators, and members of the court tennis community, blending spirited competition with holiday cheer in a warm and stylish celebration.

TIPS FROM THE PROS

MID-SEASON CHECK-IN

by Steve Virgona

In the August 2024 Pro Tip titled “Summer Gains,” I discussed setting goals and ways to improve your game. As the calendar turns from 2024 to 2025, now is the perfect time to check our progress.Were you able to reach your December 31 handicap goal? Were you able to implement that new shot or shore up your defense in a particular facet of your game? I also discussed playing a tournament at another club. 

The 2nd half of the season is packed with USCTA events you can participate in, and it’s a fantastic part of our sport that we can travel and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow tennis enthusiasts. Whether it’s one of the level championships, an age event, or for doubles, the Cherry Blossom or Pell Cup, there are many events for you to compete in.

If you’re competing in a singles tournament, your lessons leading up to the event should be singles-specific and focused on ways to find incremental improvements. If competing in a doubles event, your lessons and/or drills should be focused on improving in the four corners of the court. 

Our US Clubs have some of the best professionals and, equally important, some of the best teachers in the world. Leaning on their expertise can improve your performance and increase your chances of winning.

USCTA

MERCHANDISE

We are excited to announce a new, exciting merchandise program with Summit Brands. USCTA members can purchase apparel from the following brands - B. Draddy, Zero Restriction, Fairway & Greene and EP New York - and add either the USCTA logo or the legacy USCTA “Racquet” logo. The code also comes with a 40% discount logo off the retail price - all of which accrues to the benefit of our members!

Access the brands on summitgolfbrands.com

Pick your items, and when you check out, put one of the discount codes below into the box asking for a “discount code or gift card” – click “apply,” and the 40% discount will be applied to your order. This will let the site know which logo to use (they will choose the location) and apply the discount to your invoice.

A. RACQUETS40 is the USCTA racquet logo

B. USCTA40 is the current USCTA logo

Summit Brands fulfills all purchases, so please direct any order questions to their customer service.

Enjoy!

Former Head Professionals - George Wharton (Newport)

and Jimmy Burke (Boston)

PRO WELFARE COMMITTEE CREATED

The Professionals are an integral part of our game here in the US by teaching, organizing matches and providing enjoyment when competing in tournaments.

Over the last few years, though, it’s become apparent that when someone is no longer in the game, whether as a professional at a club or perhaps retired, it’s been challenging to stay in contact and remain a part of the tennis community. With that in mind, the USCTA is proud to announce the formation of the USCTA Professional Welfare Committee.

The group is comprised of Dacre Stoker, John Gilligan, John Lumley, and Steve Virgona. It is an International effort with other associations doing something similar for the professionals in that country.

There are several things in the works, but the first two goals we aim to achieve are:

1. Through a professional Alumni Program, ensure former professionals continue to have access to the game and their former colleagues.

Former and current professionals have all been invited to the 2025 US Open cocktail party to renew old friendships and enhance camaraderie.

2. Financial Wellbeing - Ensure that all professionals have access to advice to build a secure future and retirement for themselves and their families.

There will be more to come soon, but in the meantime, if you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out to one of us on the Committee.

Steve Virgona, on behalf of the USCTA Professional Welfare Committee.

UPDATE FROM SYDNEY

The 49th active tennis court in the world in Sydney now has the walls up, the roof is on and the internal fit-out is taking place. Inaugural pro Chris Ronaldson is now in Australia literally getting the balls rolling...

We invite players from around the tennis world to join the festive opening tournament, The Bilby, over Easter 2025, to welcome the return of Real Tennis to Sydney after a 20-year hiatus. You can play in one or more tournaments from 4-10 days, or just join us for the party!

The Bilby, named after the marsupial that has become symbolic for Australians at Easter, will become a regular tournament at the Cheltenham Recreation Club.

"The Bilby 2025” will be in a few fun parts, not just tennis but exploring the essence of Sydney. One court limits the numbers, and "first in" applies! Don’t miss out: your preferences can be amended later but registration essential now on this link:

The Bilby Tournament — Sydney Real Tennis

The Sydney Real Tennis Club looks forward to welcoming new and old friends in Sydney in 2025.

2025 LADIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The USCTA and the National Tennis Club are hosting the 2025 Ladies World Championship in Newport from May 23 to 31, 2025. 

Under the new rules of this event, the top four players in the world (based on RTO Singles Handicap six months before the start of the tournament) are invited to compete as automatic qualifiers into the main draw of the Championship. As a result, we are delighted to announce that these four players are: 1 Claire Fahey (UK), 2 Lea Van Der Zwalmen (France), 3 Tara Lumley (UK) and 4 Saskia Bollerman (Netherlands).

Entry forms for the Ladies World Doubles Championship (four pairs) and for the Ladies World Championship Singles Qualifiers (eight places, with two players to qualify for the Championship) will be issued in late January / early February. Newport will also run a supporting program of handicap tennis and social events, and players will be offered accommodation with members. 

If you have any questions, please let us know.

We look forward to welcoming you to Newport next year.

Jane Lippincott

Tony Hollins

Ladies 2025 World Championship Committee