2023 Real Tennis World Championship

Last updated
2023 Real Tennis World Championship
Tournament information
DatesSeptember, 2023
Venue International Tennis Club of Washington
City McLean, Virginia
Country Flag of the United States.svg United States
OrganisationIRTPA
Defending champion Flag of the United States.svg Camden Riviere
Final
Champion Flag of the United States.svg Camden Riviere
Runner-up Flag of the United Kingdom.svg John Lumley
Score6/4 6/2 6/3 6/4 4/6 6/3 5/6 5/6 6/5 6/3
← 2022
2025 →

The 2023 Real Tennis World Championship was a real tennis (also called court tennis) tournament held at the International Tennis Club of Washington in McLean, Virginia in September 2023. Reigning champion Camden Riviere was challenged by first-time challenger John Lumley. [1] Riviere won his third World Championship title, and his first successful defense, defeating Lumley 7 sets to 3.

Contents

Qualification

As defending champion, Camden Riviere qualified by right to the World Championship Final. The right to challenge Riviere was determined through a series of eliminator matches. Due to the extraordinary nature of the previous edition being delayed by two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the timescale for qualification was altered. As many events had not been run and had no certainty of being run at the time of the announcement, any qualifying event between January 2020 and December 2022 was eligible for World Race points, a year greater than the normal qualifying period. [2] The final qualification tournament was the British Open in November 2022. Former World Champion Robert Fahey announced his retirement from competitive singles tennis ahead of the British Open. [3] Even though he had sufficient World Race points to enter the eliminator process, his spot was ceded to the next eligible player as an extraordinary measure. Four players were therefore eligible for the Eliminators: [4]

  1. Flag of the United Kingdom.svg John Lumley, Racquet Club of Philadelphia.
  2. Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ben Taylor-Matthews, Bristol Real Tennis Club
  3. Flag of Australia (converted).svg Nick Howell, Aiken Tennis Club
  4. Flag of Australia (converted).svg Chris Chapman, Royal Melbourne Tennis Club

First seed John Lumley competed in the Eliminator process for the first time. Lumley won two Open titles during the qualification period: the British Open in 2021 and the Australian Open in 2022, earning him the World number 2 ranking. [5] He also won doubles titles at the Australian, British and French Opens in 2022. Lumley spent a year of the qualification period away from his home court of Philadelphia due to visa complications.

Ben Taylor-Matthews returned to the World Championship Eliminators for the third time, having previously played in the First Round Eliminators in 2012 and 2020, losing to Bryn Sayers and Chris Chapman respectively. During the qualification period, he reached the final of the 2021 British Open, losing to Lumley. He also reregistered his home club as Bristol, moving from the Leamington Tennis Court Club.

Nick Howell made his second appearance in a World Championship Eliminator, having previously played a First Round Elminator in 2020 against Camden Riviere at The Oratory School, which he lost in straight sets. Howell's best result in the qualification period was reaching the final of the 2020 US Open, held before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also won the doubles competitions at the 2020 Australian Open and 2021 British Open. He moved twice during the qualification, firstly from the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island to Bordeaux, and then on to Aiken Tennis Club in Aiken, South Carolina.

Chris Chapman qualified for a third consecutive Eliminator. He lost in the first round to Steve Virgona at the Royal Tennis Court, Hampton Court in 2018, and played the Final Eliminator against Riviere in 2020 at Boston. Chapman won the Australian Open in 2020 on his home court at the Royal Melbourne Tennis Club.

Eliminators

The format for the eliminators was unchanged from the previous edition, with the First Round Eliminator a two-day best of 9 set match and the Final Eliminator a three-day best of 13 set match. However the rule that following a single player winning the first four sets on the first day of a First Round Eliminator, the winning player could opt to play the fifth set on the first day was dropped. Hosting rights for the First Round Eliminators was held as a bidding process, favoured towards the better seed. As first seed, Lumley won hosting rights for his match to be at Philadelphia, while Howell out-bid Taylor-Matthews to host their eliminator at Aiken. [6] [7] [8]

1st Round EliminatorFinal Eliminator
Philadelphia, 22, 24 March 2023
1 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg John Lumley 66656465
Philadelphia, 15, 17 May 2023
4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Chris Chapman 24464602
1 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg John Lumley 666666567
Aiken, 29, 31 March 2023
2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Nick Howell 312400621
3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Nick Howell 65662665
2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ben Taylor-Matthews 56516442

First Round Eliminators

The first eliminator was held at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia between John Lumley and Chris Chapman. Lumley took an early lead on the first day, taking the first set comfortably and holding on in the second and third. However, Chapman would claw back a set 6/5 to finish the first day on a high. Going into the second day, Lumley needed a further two sets. He managed the first, through dropped a very tight second set. In the third set of the day, Lumley cruised to victory 6/0 to progress to the Final Eliminator for this first time. [9] It would be Chapman's last appearance in a World Championship Eliminator as he announced his retirement from international tennis during the 2023 British Open.

The second eliminator was held at the Aiken Tennis Club between Nick Howell and Ben Taylor-Matthews. Despite only moving to Aiken in the months prior to the event, the crowd were very vocal in their support of Howell. The first three sets of the match were closely fought, each going to 6/5, twice in the favour of Howell and once to Taylor-Matthews. Only the final set of the first day was one-sided, giving Howell a 3–1 lead going into the second day. There, Howell comfortably managed the final two sets required to progress to the Final Eliminator for the first time. [10]

Final Eliminator

The Final Eliminator was hosted again at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia between Lumley and Howell, Lumley winning the bidding rights to host the event. [11] The match was scheduled as a best of 13 set match over three days, Lumley won all four sets on the first day comfortably, and the won the second two sets on the second day without dropping a game. Howell managed a solitary set 6/5, but Lumley closed strong to confirm his place as the World Championship Challenger.

World challenge

The 2023 World Championship Challenge was held as a best of 13 set match between defending champion Camden Riviere and challenger John Lumley. [12] In December 2022, the venue for the challenge was announced as the International Tennis Club of Washington at the Westwood Country Club in McLean, Virginia. The club had previously been barred from hosting major tournaments as their old court had a non-standard glass main wall. However following the closure of their old court, a new court was built at Westwood Country Club, opening in September 2022. [13] The World Championship Challenge followed the 2023 US Ladies Open, the 2023 US Amateur and the 2023 Van Alan/George Limb/Clothier Cup as major events hosted at the new court. [14]

The challenge was the first hosted in the United States since the 2016 World Championship in Newport, Rhode Island. It was the first challenge not to feature Robert Fahey since the 1993 World Championship in New York between Wayne Davies and Lachlan Deuchar, and the first not to feature an Australian since the 1981 World Championship between Chris Ronaldson and Howard Angus.

Head to HeadAt World ChampionshipsAt Major OpensAt Prested HallTotal Competitive
Camden Riviere04014
John Lumley0001

The pair had never played before in a World Championship or World Championship Eliminator. Lumley's only previous win over Riviere was in the 2013 USCTA National League. They had previously played against each other in two US Open Finals in 2021 and 2023 as well as two US Professional Singles Finals in 2021 and 2023. OF their previous meetings, all but one had been in the United States, the exception being the first round of the 2017 French Open. The two had previously competed against each other in doubles, with Riviere and Tim Chisholm defeating Lumley and Steve Virgona in the 2022 World Doubles Championship final in Bordeaux.

Day 1

The match was marked by home professional Ivan Ronaldson, the first time that Andrew Lyons had not marked a World Championship Final since the 2002 World Championship at the Royal Tennis Court, Hampton Court. The first set was dominated by railroad serving, with Riviere holding on to his early lead 6/4. Riviere started the second set quickly, with a display of target hitting giving him a 4–0 lead which he held onto 6/2. The third set was much closer, with Lumley able to keep pace with Riviere through the first half of the set. Ultimately, Riviere converted to win that set 6/3. Lumley took the lead in the final set of the day, the first such time in the match, but Riviere found a late run to take all four sets on the first day. [15]

Day 2

Going into the second day, Riviere still needed three sets to win, while Lumley was looking to take the match into a third day. It began with Riviere takin three of the first four games before Lumley rallied the next three. Riviere had three game points to tie the first set at four all, but could not convert, with Lumley winning his first set at a World Championship. The second set was the reverse of the first; Lumley took the lead but struggled to capitalise on his opportunities leading Riviere to win five straight games to take the set. The third set of the day was the longest, with neither player having too much advantage. Riviere at one point had a 5–3 lead, but was suffering issues with his movement that allowed Lumley to claw back and take the set 6/5 and force the match into a third day. Lumley started the final set well, winning the first three games in less than 10 minutes. Riviere fought back well but in vain, with Lumley holding on to close out the day 3 sets to 1.

Day 3

On the final day, Riviere needed two more sets, while Lumley needed to win four of five. Lumley attempted a more target-driven game, with neither player gaining a solid lead throughout the set. The set went to 5-all and deuce, with Riviere the victor in a set lasting 50 minutes. Riviere used that momentum to build his way through the second set of the day, winning the final set 6/3 and defending his World Championship title. [16]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Real tennis</span> Racquet sport played in a walled court.

Real tennis – one of several games sometimes called "the sport of kings" – is the original racquet sport from which the modern game of tennis is derived. It is also known as court tennis in the United States, royal tennis in England and Australia, and courte-paume in France. Many French real tennis courts are at jeu de paume clubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Real Tennis World Championship</span>

The Real Tennis World Championship is the main competition in real tennis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Camden Riviere</span> American real tennis player

Camden Riviere is an American left-handed real tennis player and current world champion. He became world champion on May 21, 2016, defeating long-time holder Robert Fahey 7 sets to 2 at Riviere's home court, the National Tennis Club, Newport, Rhode Island. Two years later, at Riviere's first defense of the title, Fahey reclaimed the title beating Riviere by 7 sets to 5 at Queen's Club, London. Riviere regained the title from Fahey at the 2022 World Championship played at Prested Hall in Feering, Essex, England, winning by 7 sets to 5. He retained the title in 2023, defeating John Lumley 7 sets to 3 at the Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Virginia.

Ben Taylor-Matthews is a professional British Real Tennis player based at Bristol Real Tennis Club. His career high ranking is world number 4, and his current ranking is 5. To date, he is yet to win a major singles title but has contested two Australian Open finals, as well as an IRTPA Championships final, plus a Champions Trophy final. He unsuccessfully challenged for the World Championship on three occasions, most recently in 2023.

The 2018 Real Tennis World Championship was a real tennis tournament held at the Queen's Club in London, England. 12-time world champion Rob Fahey regained the world title defeating the defending champion Camden Riviere by a score of 7–5.

The 2022 Real Tennis World Championship was a real tennis tournament held at Prested Hall in Feering, Essex, England in September 2022. Rob Fahey, the 13-time and reigning world champion, was beaten by the challenger, and former champion, Camden Riviere. The challenge had been originally scheduled to take place in April 2020, but was postponed to September 2022 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2016 Real Tennis World Championship was a real tennis tournament held at the National Tennis Club in Newport, Rhode Island. 12-time world champion Rob Fahey lost the championship for the first time since 1994 to challenger Camden Riviere by a score of 7–2.

Claire Faheynée Vigrass is a British real tennis and rackets player and current real tennis Ladies World Champion. She holds over 40 Open singles titles and has completed a Grand Slam on five occasions. She is the first female player to play in the main draw of three of the four Men's Opens, and the first to female player to reach a semi final stage. She has also challenged for the Rackets World Championships on two occasions and has won five British Open Rackets titles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Lumley (real tennis)</span> British real tennis player

John Colin Lumley is a British professional real tennis player currently ranked at number 2 in the world. He unsuccessfully challenged Camden Riviere for the 2023 Real Tennis World Championship at Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Virginia. He currently works as the assistant professional at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia.

Nick Howell is a professional real tennis player based at the Aiken Tennis Club in Aiken, South Carolina. Howell currently ranked number 3 in the world in both singles and doubles and won the French Open in 2023. Howell has challenged for the Real Tennis World Championship on two occasions, playing in the First Round Eliminator in 2020 and the Final Eliminator in 2023.

Léa van der Zwalmen is a French rackets and real tennis player and the current rackets World Champion. She is undefeated in rackets since the inaugural Ladies World Championship in 2015. In real tennis, she represents the Jeu de Paume de Bordeaux in Mérignac, Bordeaux and is women's world number 2. She has contested two World Championship singles finals and has won one Open doubles title. She has previously represented France in junior squash and also plays padel tennis.

The 2023 Real Tennis British Open, branded as the Sir John Ritblat Foundation British Open for sponsorship reasons, was the 44th edition of the British Open since it became an annual event in 1979. The men's event was held at the Queen's Club in London between November 12-21, 2023 and was organised by the Tennis and Rackets Association, forming part of the qualifying series for the 2025 Real Tennis World Championship. The women's event was held at the Seacourt Tennis Club on Hayling Island between March 29 and April 2, 2023. The men's draw was the fourth and final grand slam event of the year.

The 2023 French Open also known as the 2023 Open de France du Jeu de Paume was the 41st edition of the real tennis French Open. The event was held at the Société Sportive du Jeu de Paume & de Racquets in Paris between September 24 and October 1, 2023, and was organised by the Comité Français de Courte-Paume, forming part of the qualifying series for the 2025 Real Tennis World Championship. The event was held days after the 2023 Real Tennis World Championship meaning that world top 2 Camden Riviere and John Lumley were not in attendance. The men's draw was the third grand slam event of the year.

Tara Lumley is a British real tennis and rackets player and current women's World Doubles Champion. She is currently ranked world number 3 in both singles and doubles at real tennis. She holds 2 Open singles and 7 Open doubles titles. She won the inaugural women's doubles Rackets World Championship with India Deakin, and has challenged for the women's singles Rackets World Championships on three occasions, playing in the eliminator process in each occasion.

Chris Chapman is an Australian professional real tennis player formerly ranked world number 3 and currently based at the Royal Melbourne Tennis Club. Chapman challenged for the Real Tennis World Championship on three occasions, reaching the Final Eliminator in 2020. Over his career, he won three Open singles titles, two at the Australian Open and one at the French Open. He also holds three four Open doubles titles. In 2023 during the British Open he announced his retirement from international competitions, although he still competes in Australian competitions.

Jo See Tan is an Australian amateur real tennis player. Her best result was winning the 2022 Australian Open Singles championship and the 2023 Australian Open Doubles championship. She has represented Australia at the Bathurst Cup on two occasions, and has won the women's Australian Amateur on three occasions.

The 2021 Real Tennis British Open was the 42nd edition of the British Open since it became an annual event in 1979. The men's event was held at the Queen's Club in London between November 13–22, 2022 and was organised by the Tennis and Rackets Association. It was a qualifying event for the 2023 Real Tennis World Championship. There was no women's competition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which also significantly reduced the number of international entrants in the men's draw. The men's draw was the second and final grand slam event of the year, as no French or Australian Opens would be organised in 2021.

The 2021 Court Tennis US Open was the 89th edition of the US Open. The event was held at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia between October 21-28, 2022 and was organised by the United States Court Tennis Association, delayed from its usual March timeslot due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Due to travel restrictions, the event was only open to players resident in the United States, so was not part of the qualification for the 2023 Real Tennis World Championship. There was no women's event organised. It was the first of two grand slam events of the year, with no Australian or French Opens being scheduled.

Bryn Sayers is a British professional real tennis player currently ranked at number seven in the world. He unsuccessfully challenged for the Real Tennis World Championship on four occasions, reaching the Final Eliminator in 2014 against Camden Riviere. He holds two singles Open titles, having won both in 2012. He works as the senior professional at the Queen's Club in London.

The 2024 Real Tennis World Doubles Championship was the 12th edition of the real tennis World Doubles Championship and was held at the Racquet Club of Chicago from April 24-28th 2024. The event was won by defending champions Tim Chisholm and Camden Riviere representing the United States. It was their fifth consecutive title, with Chisholm equalling Robert Fahey and Steve Virgona with 6 overall titles.

References

  1. ↑ Hodgkinson, Thomas. "Inside the weird world of real tennis". The Spectator. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  2. ↑ "World Singles Challenge and Events Resumption". International Real Tennis Professionals Association. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  3. ↑ "A Tribute to Rob Fahey". Tennis and Rackets Association.
  4. ↑ "The 2023 WC Eliminators". International Real Tennis Professionals Association. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  5. ↑ Prenn, Tamara. "Real Tennis British Open makes triumphant return to Queen's Club". SW Londoner.
  6. ↑ "Philadelphia & Aiken to Host Eliminators". United States Court Tennis Association. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  7. ↑ "Players and Eliminator Dates for 2023 Challenge". International Real Tennis Professionals Association. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  8. ↑ "World Championship Eliminators Dates, Competitors and Clubs Announced". Tennis and Rackets Association. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  9. ↑ "Lumley Awaits Winner From Aiken". International Real Tennis Professionals Association. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  10. ↑ "Howell joins Lumley in FE". International Real Tennis Professionals Association.
  11. ↑ "The Final Eliminator". International Real Tennis Professionals Association.
  12. ↑ "Real Tennis World Championship 2023". Tennis and Rackets Association.
  13. ↑ Njoroge, Peter. "Prince Edward Will Be in Northern Virignia This Weekend". Washingtonian. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  14. ↑ "Real Tennis World Championship 2023". Tennis and Rackets Association.
  15. ↑ "2023 World Championship". United States Court Tennis Association. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  16. ↑ "Aiken-raised Riviere wins 3rd real tennis world championship". Aiken Standard. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.