... well, apart from Warren, who only came to play… not to play (if you know what we mean).
Saturday, 7 September 2024 was the last Grand Slam event of the year at Collaroy Tennis Club. As an Airbus A380 flew over Long Reef Headland, mimicking the air traffic at Flushing Meadow from LaGuardia airport, Collaroy members again gathered to pay tribute to the last of the Big 4 tournaments and have fun in the sun.
With two Badge teams playing Finals away from home and what’s left of the snow season attracting others, there was a slightly smaller turnout for this event; but those who participated came dressed to the nines in their best red, white and blue (and green Anna 1!) and there was some great tennis played throughout the day.
When it came to turning the heads of those judging ‘Best Dressed’, the usual female suspects once again led from the front. Valerie looked like she was wearing ‘Old Glory’, starry and spangled all over. Simone again graced the courts with flowers in her hair, blooming in red, white and blue. And Justine had people guessing, decked out in her best ‘Where’s Wally’ long sox. The competition was too close to call out just one winner, so all three ladies were awarded prizes.
Overall, the men’s attire was a little disappointing, especially after Bjorn Borg had set the bar so high at our Wimbledon event. We thought Johnny Mac. might have made an appearance, but he was on commentary duty at ‘the other Flushing Meadow’. In the end, Vito’s USA board shorts earned him the ‘Best Dressed Male’ award. (And that leg turn Vito… you’ve done this before!)
In the clubhouse, the 5 set thriller that was the Men’s Semi-Final between Taylor Fritz and Francis Tiafoe was beamed in from New York and played out on our big screen TV, while outside on the courts, the tennis reached remarkable heights. Kenny was again in line to take out top spot in the Men’s Draw, vying for most of the day with Dave (who kept the pain in his shoulders at bay with some miracle refreshments from the ‘fridge).
But coming from the clouds like Bernborough down the outside of the Flemington straight was none other than Richard ‘The Dentist’! Yes! Richard, whom Vito assured us had never won an event in his decades of CTC membership! He ran right over the top of the leaders in the last set of the day, claiming the title with 19 games from his four sets ahead of Kenny and Dave who tied for second on 17 games each.
In his acceptance speech, Richard first claimed a secret weapon stating “All glory to Him” (assume he meant Wil). He then thanked his fans at Collaroy, before paying special tribute to his new team - fitness trainer Umberto Ferrara and physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi (both of whom had most recently worked with dual Grand Slam winner, Jannik Sinner).
Whatever this duo did for Richard, it worked a treat! (Initial calls for a swab were eventually dismissed by the CTC Tournament Committee.)
In the Ladies Draw, the winner was called a long way from home. The mighty Carmen cleared out to an early lead and was never headed.
Carmen was in cruise control from start to finish, adding the US Open title to her French Open crown claimed earlier in the year. Congratulations to Collaroy’s first dual Grand Slam winner!
Of course, it wouldn’t have been New York without some special treats. Kate and her team (including Ros, Lavinia and Peter C.), served Hot Dogs with American Mustard and Ketchup, while Kenny came good with a selection of his finest New York pizzas. For those with a sweet tooth, there were plenty of donuts to go around. And while Budweiser beers were (thankfully) in short supply, there were plenty of quality alternatives on hand, along with a selection of fine wines for the more sophisticated tipplers.
The last Grand Slam event at Collaroy Tennis Club for 2024 was another wonderful day, leaving us all looking forward already to the Aussie Open in January. (Thank goodness we have the Club Championships in between to break up the wait.)
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