FINALS WEEKEND
2024
Finals Weekend 2024
Finals weekend is always the most anticipated weekend of the year at the club and this year was no different. After a successful year playing with each other in the leagues it was time for the club's best players to take to the court against each other and the fans couldn't wait, They weren't dissapointed either - the standard of tennis seems to get better each year.
Many people in the crowd described this year as a 'changing of the guard' with many of the club's top juniors making their way into the adult finals. But it was one player in particular who dominated the weekend, Jiselle Stringer. At just 15 Jiselle won every event she played in, including the Ladies Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The cherry on top was the U18 Singles against her doubles partner, Hattie Bacon.
A big shoutout needs to go to the Tournament Committee whose already tough job was made even more difficult by our Men's A team being involved in an NCL play off match on the Sunday. Also a big thank you to everyone who helped the weekend run so smoothly, brinigng cakes, helping run the junior events and everyone who came to watch and created such a great atmosphere for the players.
Ruby had the help of Henrietta to beat her mum Jo and Louise in the Ladies Drawn event. The match was decided by a match tie break.
Jamie and George battled back from losing the second set to beat Guy and Hari in the Mens Drawn. Both Drawn events being family affairs with George playing against his brother Hari in this one.
The Men's Doubles Final couldn't have been any closer. Both teams played some exceptional tennis in a roller coaster match, Mike and Jake saved 3 match points to win 6-7 7-6 12-10.
Jiselle sealed the U18 Girls Singles in style with back to back aces to win a topsy turvy match against Hattie.
Carlos showed the Final's day crowd what he can do with a convincing win over George in the U18 Boys Singles.
Carlos getting scouted by a man who's seen a lot of tennis!
The crowd having a great time!
The Ladies vets doubles was extremely close! Henrietta and Louise got the better of Jo and Liz in a match tie break.
Unfortunately Ken was injured so the Men's vets doubles final was not played this year and John & William were given a walkover against Ken and Steve.
Hari made his debut in the Men's Singles Final but it was his coach, Jamie, who sealed his 8th title with a 6-2 7-5 win. Jamie wouldn't be happy if I didn't mention his backhand drive volley on match point to seal the win.
The Mixed 'Super Vets' was hotly contested. Congratulations to Sara and Gary who squeeked past Bill and Anne in a match tie break to get their hands on the title.
James and Henrietta won the Mixed Vets Doubles against John and Jo - once again in a match tie break. The crowd were treated to some great tennis and an even better celebration from James on match point!
Our Mini Green Singles play off consisting of Henry, Jack and Tommy provided some entertaining tennis. Jack with the backwards cap rose to the occasion and took home his first Riverside title.
Some new faces in the mixed drawn this year - sorry Stampy! Marcus and Isabella battled back from a set down to beat Arpad and Jane in a really close match.
A repeat of last years Ladies Doubles final saw a different result with Jiselle and Hattie squeezing past Liz and Carolyn in a deciding set to claim their first Ladies Doubles title.
Rory's annual trip down to the club ended up as it always does - with him picking up some silverware and reminding us that he is infact the GOAT. He beat Christian to win the U14 Singles.
George and Carlos came back again on Sunday to play a rematch of the U18 final in the U16's. It was the same result again as Carlos proved too strong for self declared 'Doubles Specialist' George.
Alex Small took the U8 Singles Title after being pushed all the way by Ollie in the final. Well done to Emilia and Virginia for reaching the finals. Emilia was happier with her trophy than she looks here!
Guy's phone camera dissapointed but Damian definitely didn't! He played some blistering tennis to win the U11 Singles. Sam and Rosie showed the future is bright with some great tennis on display.
Damian pictured with a fan.
Henrietta's martathon weekend of tennis continued with the Ladies Singles Final against last year's winner Jiselle. A hard fought contest finished with Jiselle defending her title for the first time.
Due to some scheduling issues and the Men's A team being involved in an NCL Match on the Sunday, Tuesday night became the Mixed Doubles Finals night. Jamie and Isabella were up agaist Nick and Carolyn in the Semi Final. Yet another match tie break was needed to separate the teams, with Jamie and Isabella getting across the line.
Jamie and Isabella played some blistering tennis to take the first set in the final but Mike and Jiselle battled back to make it one set all. With not that long before the lights turned off at 10pm the players settled on a match tie break instead of a full third. It was Mike and Jiselle who came out on top - sealed by a booming Jiselle ace.
Mike and Jiselle won the Mixed Doubles. 5-7 6-2 10-5.