2023 Men's Open Club Singles Champion, Chris Gillis, receives his trophy from Vito and Damian
Saturday 9th December 2023 was Finals Day at Collaroy Tennis Club – and what a day it was! We had everything, including extreme heat, rain, lightning, thunder, a wonderful Christmas party, and of course, some brilliant and exciting tennis. (For full details, see Results of the Club Championships Finals and all photos below.)
In the Open Men’s Singles, defending champ Chris G. (pictured above) defeated Michal K. 6-1, 6-4. Chris brought out every shot in the book in the Final, playing topspin forehand and backhand winners, deep sliced approaches and exhibiting great net coverage to show why he is Australia’s top ranked '55 and Over' tennis player... and Top 3 in the World!
2023 Open Ladies Club Singles Champion, Kelly G. with proud dad Greg and daughters.
In the Open Ladies Singles, we were entertained by an epic final. It was eventually won by Kelly G., who defeated defending champion Eri 2-6, 6-2 10-5 in a nail-biting super tie-break. Kelly also took out the Open Mixed Doubles title with brother Mike, getting the better of Stuart S. and Kimberly G. 6-2 6-2. Julie K. and Eri won the Open Ladies Doubles Final over Anna C. and Anita M. 6-3 3-3 (retired).
Our talented young juniors were also on show on Finals Day. 11-year-old superstar Maiia S. took out the Girls’ Singles title with an amazing show of skill defeating Sky S. 6-1 6-1 in the Final. In the Boys’ Singles, Sava M. (also just 11 years old) displayed super talent to take out Jake I. 6-1 6-2. Sava's following in the footsteps of his older siblings, sister Vesna (a State Champion) and brother Pavle - now Australia's top ranked Junior Boy. In the Junior Doubles, Jordan W. and Jake I. overcame the fighting pair of Harrison H. and Nicholas L. in another close third set super tie-break 6-4 5-7 10-4.
In our new event, the Masters Men’s Singles, the Final was a tight contest with Rob T. finally getting the better of Damian G. in a marathon match of two tight tie-break sets 6-5 6-5. Rob T. also took out the Open Men’s Doubles partnering Jan L. Kenny M. won the Men's Plate Singles over young gun Mattis W. A BIG congratulations to all our 2023 Club Champions and Finalists!
The Christmas Party following the Finals matches was also a huge success! With decorations and the Collaroy Christmas Tree on full display, Head Chef Glenn fired up the BBQ and Kenny cooked his signature pizzas fresh on site to go with a selection of Maria's delicious Spanish salads. No one goes home hungry from a Collaroy event! Or thirsty for that matter, with the lovely Anna once again in charge of the Christmas cheers!
At the end of the day, a Presentation Ceremony was held with all trophies, medals, certificates and prizes awarded to our deserving Champions and finalists. This brought to a close an amazing Finals Day and successful 2023 Collaroy Tennis Club Championships overall. Big thanks to the record-breaking number of entrants this year (both adults and juniors), to the Tournament Committee (Damian G., Glenn R., Kenny M., Lynne B. and Wil J.), to Scott Fletcher and to all the generous members who helped out with our joyful Christmas Party! - by Kenny Moyle
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