Get to Know This Year's British Open Players
Your guide to the players in the Real Tennis British Open 2025, including bios, status, handicaps and more.
The players are listed alphabetically here and by seed/handicap order in the programme.
OPEN DRAW
Chris Aley: British Professional with Handicap 13.2 (S); 16.6 (D)
Leamington based professional, avid Liverpool fan and sleep enjoyer.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
The guy with the orange coat and glasses from Despicable Me, think that's pretty self explanatory.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
I reckon I'd put some Bilmuri on. They always put me in a good mood.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I actually really do like Real Tennis.
Ned Batstone: British Amateur with Handicap 8.3 (S); 11.3 (D)
Former lawn tennis player, training to be a lawyer, enjoy playing some Real Tennis.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Vin Diesel, why not?
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Hans Zimmer.
Josh Dodgson: British Professional with Handicap +0.6 (S); 0.5 (D)
Professional at the R&TC in NY. I’ve played Real Tennis since a young age and I’m excited to be back playing the British Open for the first time in a long time.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
I typically listen to Frank Ocean before matches to get me nice and relaxed.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I can walk on my hands (haven’t tried in a while but I at least used to be able to).
Zac Eadle: British Professional with Handicap 4.5 (S); 10.3 (D)
New Head Professional at Bristol Real Tennis Club. After a couple of years out of the game I’m really excited to dive straight back into it!
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Adam Sandler. Doesn’t take himself too seriously and people never laugh at his jokes.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Depends who I’m playing! If I’m the underdog then something along that theme. If I’m the better ranked player then something slow to calm me down.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I’m responsible for the colourful strings you see on court.
Claire Fahey: British Professional with Handicap 2.7 (S); 8.6 (D)
Ladies World Champion 2011 to present.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Claire Danes, because people say I look like her.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Taylor Swift.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I was selected in the top 8 (out of 350) on an Olympic training program with GB - to train for canoeing at the Olympics with a goal of Tokyo 2020 but turned it down to play Real Tennis!
Rob Fahey: Australian Professional with Handicap +11.9 (S); +2.4 (D)
Started playing Real Tennis in 1987 at the Hobart Real Tennis Club. Since then I have worked in Bordeaux, Queen’s Club, New York, Royal Melbourne Tennis Club, Prested Hall Real Tennis Club and am the current head professional at The Oratory Real Tennis Club. In that time I have amassed 13 World Championship titles and 50 National Open Singles titles.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Richard Gere because he is old and grey.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
K-Pop Demon Hunters.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
My wife has stopped me from making pot pourri.
Will Flynn: British Amateur with Handicap 7.3 (S); 7.9 (D)
You’ll find me on court, up a tree or in cold water.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Val Kilmer. I’ve been known as the iceman.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
90’s Rap.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
My girlfriend has been playing Real Tennis for more years than I’ve been alive.
Levi Gale: British Professional with Handicap +2.2 (S); 5.7 (D)
I'm the Head Professional at Prested Real Tennis Club and I'm looking forward to competing in my fourth British Open.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Callum Turner.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Eminem - Lose Yourself.
Jamie Giddins: British Amateur with Handicap 6.5 (S); 6.4 (D)
Amateur MCC & Queen’s member and Bathurst Cup player.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Paddington Bear - lookalike
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Greenlight - Pitbull
Louis Gordon: British Professional with Handicap 6.2 (S); 6.7 (D)
Grew up playing on Hayling Island, and still haven't left yet!
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Nicholas Lyndhurst, because I am Rodney after all.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Ren - Animal Flow.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I once had a full head of hair!
Craig Greenhalgh: British Professional with Handicap 8.2 (S); 12.2 (D)
24th year as a Real Tennis pro. Father of two. Massive Liverpool fan!
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Elvis Presley. A legend but doesn’t travel.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Anything Eminem, Oasis or MJ.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I hold a tornado fighter pilot's license.
Vaughan Hamilton: British Professional with Handicap +0.1 (S); 6.7 (D)
I started playing Real Tennis at Moreton Morrell at the age of 12 years. I've now been a Pro for 4 years, starting at Canford and now at Prested.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Not much of a music listener before matches, I prefer to stay pretty relaxed and calm.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I used to make rugs.
Henry Henman: British Professional with Handicap 8.3 (S); 8.2 (D)
Youngest in age and maturity in the draw
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
The soundtrack to Rob Fahey ALL DEDANS compilation (British Open 2022).
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I’ve got a hill named after me.
Mark Hobbs: British Professional with Handicap 9.8 (S); 13.7 (D)
British Open Under 21 winner 2002. Seacourt Silver Racquet winner. This season played three won three and looking forward to the British Open Qualifiers.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Tom Hardy because I am a good looking guy accompanied with charisma.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Fugees – Ready Or Not.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I am great at karaoke and people stop me on a night out for my autograph thinking I am Craig Bellam.
Tony Hollins: British Professional with Handicap 3.1 (S); 9.3 (D)
After picking up the game at Seacourt as a bartender, I have worked at Tuxedo Club, NY Racquet & Tennis Club, Boston Tennis & Racquet Club, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame (Newport, RI).
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why
Tom Cruise. I do all of my own stunts.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Foals / Arctic Monkeys.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I was in a band with Hatfield professional James Law.
Nick Howell: Australian/British Professional with Handicap +8.4 (S); +9.1 (D)
Head Tennis Professional at Aiken Tennis Club. I have played in all the Singles and Doubles Open finals. With one Open Singles title in Singles and seven Open titles in Doubles. Ranked no 3 in Singles and no 2 in Doubles.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Avicii.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I have read all the Harry Potter books.
Nick James: Jersey Amateur with Handicap 14.1 (S); 10.2 (D)
Rackets playing lawyer dabbling in Real Tennis.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Who ever signed up as an extra on the day.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Basis current Spotify recommendations, a selection of children’s nursery rhymes. Jelly on a Plate is a banger.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I’m a third blind in my left eye, courtesy of a Rackets ball.
Jack Josephs: British Professional with Handicap 11.9 (S); 15.9 (D)
Professional at the Royal Tennis Court in Hampton Court Palace. Graduated with a first-class degree from the University of Nottingham in 2021 before taking up Real Tennis.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
James Corden for his raw emotion and passion. Playing my first British Open so I'll need to be fired up!
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Zaazaa by Frenna, Drake, Post Malone.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I jumped out of a plane in Australia earlier this year!
James Law: British Professional with Handicap 15.7 (S); 18.2 (D)
39-year-old Senior Real Tennis professional at Hatfield House Tennis Court for 10 years who qualified as a Professional whilst working at Petworth House Tennis Court and first picked up a racquet whilst working at Seacourt Tennis Club as the Lawn Tennis Professional.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Nursery rhymes and Peppa Pig tunes chosen by my 3-year-old daughter.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I’m a leftie with a 2.1 Degree in Music & Sound Technology.
Darren Long: British Professional with Handicap 1.5 (S); 3.8 (D)
Darren is Head Professional at Moreton Morrell Tennis Court Club. Turned Professional in 2009. Known for his aggressive style of play and retrieving.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Mark Wahlberg - very serious on court but always up for a laugh.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Eminem - Lose Yourself.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I finally made it onto the podium for this years IRTPGA tournament (2nd place).
John Lumley: British Professional with Handicap +14.1 (S); +10 (D)
John Lumley is among the top-ranked Real Tennis professionals in the world. Originally from England and now based in the United States, he serves as the Head Professional at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia. His playing career includes major tournament wins, including the U.S. Open Singles, British Open, along with multiple titles across the professional tour.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Young Brad Pitt.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
21 Savage.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I’m a pretty big Philadelphia Eagles fan!
Alex Machin: British Professional with Handicap 13.8 (S); 17.8 (D)
Assistant Professional at Radley Real Tennis. 22 years old and IRTPA National League Organiser.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Arctic Monkeys
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
Currently the Youngest Qualified UK Real Tennis Professional.
Neil Mackenzie: British Professional with Handicap 5.7 (S); 10.4 (D)
No profile info submitted.
James Medlow: British IiP Trainee with Handicap 7.7 (S); 11.2 (D)
Queen's Club Rackets Professional originally from Seacourt!
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Jack Black, feel like he always pulls off a good underdog story!
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Never need to look much further than Gerry Cinnamon.
Nino Merola: British/Italian Professional with Handicap 0.6 (S); 3.9 (D)
Currently senior pro at Radley Real Tennis Club. Been playing for around 12 years.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
I’m a big fan of Connor Price and Hilltop Hoods at the moment.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I’m the only member of my family not to play 8 ball pool for England - maybe once my legs give out!
Adam Player: British Professional with Handicap 13.9 (S); 13.3 (D)
I started playing Real Tennis as a junior at Seacourt Tennis Club. Turned pro in 2002 and worked as trainee and senior pro at Seacourt until 2015, and have been senior pro at Wellington College Real Tennis Club since it opened in 2016.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Boom Shake the Room by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I beat Bryn Sayers and Nick Howell on the way to win the 1995 Junior Hcap Singles!.. Probably the last time I beat them!
Bryn Sayers: British Professional with Handicap +5.2 (S); +4 (D)
I’m bouncing back from surgery, so am looking forward to playing this year.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
If I had to have someone be my stunt double then Jordan Henderson would be my pick.
Rob Shenkman: British Professional with Handicap +7.2 (S); 0.1 (D)
The best amateur in Real Tennis — but not the best accountant. Fantasy Football enthusiast with a doctorate in Rig Management.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Zac Efron - Baywatch edition not HSM edition.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Radio 1 Dance Anthems with Party Hedges.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I have a large collection of small football figures from the 2000s ranging from Ivan Campo to Pedrag Mijatovic.
Leon Smart: British Professional with Handicap +0.1 (S); 3.2 (D)
Leon first discovered Real Tennis as a student at Middlesex University, where a chance introduction to the game led to an internship under then-Head Professional Ged Eden. After returning from college in Mississippi on a lawn tennis scholarship, he joined Middlesex University Real Tennis Club as an Assistant Professional, later going on to hold roles at both the Tennis & Racquet Club of Boston and The Tuxedo Club.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent from Ted Lasso) because Roy accurately portrays his coaching style.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
Leon is currently studying to become a Financial Advisor.
Zack Smart: British Professional with Handicap 13.9 (S); 17 (D)
Padel professional out of Prested Hall Health Club. Have been playing Real Tennis for six years on and off. Originally a high level lawn tennis player. Younger brother of Real Tennis professional Leon Smart.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Not one song in particular, but will need to be upbeat!
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
Younger brother of Leon Smart, first time playing in the British Open Qualifier!
Josh Smith: British/New Zealand Professional with Handicap 0.6 (S); 3.9 (D)
Started life in Real Tennis in 2013 at The Royal Tennis Court, before becoming Head Professional at Holyport Real Tennis Club in 2021. Moved to Newport, RI, in Jan 2025 as Senior Professional at the National Tennis Club.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
I would kindly avoid suggesting an actor to play me, but I would like the Coen Brothers to direct. I love their movies.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
My preference is not to listen to music prior to matches, as I like to feel the atmosphere at the time. Day to day, my music selections tend to range through electronic, drum and bass, hip hop, disco, jazz, funk and folk.
James Sohl: British Amateur with Handicap 20.9 (S); 14.6 (D)
Retired from Lawn Tennis and Real Tennis took over.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Some Heavy metal or rock like, Muse, AC/DC or Guns and Roses.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I’m a former World Ranked tennis player and I used to serve at 141mph when I played tennis.
Jo See Tan: Australian Amateur with Handicap 32.1 (S); 34.7 (D)
Beer and champagne enthusiast with a tennis problem. Sometimes pretend I work for a university.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Greta Lee but she's gotta learn the Aussie accent first!
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Lenny Kravitz.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I have a soft spot for musicals, still unsure about Cats!
Ben Taylor-Matthews: British Professional with Handicap +6.7 (S); +3.6 (D)
Loves his coffee, and his bobble. Ben recently moved to the US after 22 years as a Pro in England.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
The Rock, because he’s almost the same size as me.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
The Sports Bar on TalkSport.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I have a masters in taxidermy.
Bertie Vallat: British Amateur with Handicap 1.8 (S); 7.6 (D)
I turn 20 in November and have been playing for about 10 years; my first British Open was in 2022. I started at The Queen's Club and played there primarily as well as Oxford Real Tennis Club.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Rupert Grint.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I can wiggle my ears without touching them.
Lewis Williams: British Professional with Handicap 1.9 (S); 5 (D)
Lewis started playing as a junior at Prested Hall in Essex and quickly fell in love with the game. He is now the Head Professional at Leamington Tennis Court club where he gets to share his passion for the sport on a daily basis with club members and visitors alike.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Any house music (upbeat stuff gets me going!).
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I spent three years coaching Padel full time!
John Woods-Casey: Australian Professional with Handicap 1.1 (S); 5.4 (D)
A former hockey and squash player, John started playing in Melbourne at 21 and has been working there for 10 years now.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
My current warm up playlist has a lot of Shinedown, Cage The Elephant, Avenged Sevenfold and Imagine Dragons.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I have a bachelors degree in Agriculture.
Benedict Yorston: British Amateur with Handicap 6.6 (S); 10.3 (D)
Having first discovered Real Tennis aged 10 at Radley, Benedict continued to play whilst attending Radley College. After a gap year that included working at Washington and Paris, he spent 4 years playing at Merton whilst attending Oxford University (including 4/4 Varsity wins vs Cambridge). He now spends his days juggling running an education company with playing as much Real Tennis and hockey as possible. He hopes to develop a force at some unspecified point in the future.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Tom Cruise (height-accurate).
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Fate of Ophelia.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I spent two days filming for ‘Sherlock Holmes, Game of Shadows’ with Robert Downey Jr., Guy Ritchie, and Jude Law. And then got cut.
WOMEN'S OPEN
Alex Brodie: British Amateur with Handicap 45.4 (S); 37.1 (D)
Alex started playing Real Tennis at The Queen's Club around 17 years ago and has won the doubles of the French Open (2012, 2013), the Australian Open (2014), the US Open (2024) with Claire Fahey, and was a finalist of the British Open doubles with Sarah Vigrass (2016). She also competed in the Boomerang twice with the Hatfield Team and won it in 2013 and were finalists in 2014. She won the Brodie Cup with the Queen's Club team in 2023.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
A couple of my old classics are: Beyonce - I'm a Survivor and Queen - We are the Champions... but would go more for some lively 4 to the floor house and garage to get me in the mood!
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I loved travelling in my mid 20s around the US, South and Central America, Australia/NZ, & Hong Kong, and my favourite part was looking after an ocelot (like a small leopard) in an animal refuge in the Bolivian jungle! I also love spinning vinyl on my decks when I get the chance between family life, racquet sports and work!
Alexandra Bryant: British Amateur with Handicap 35.8 (S); 39.8 (D)
I grew up playing tennis and squash on the RAF bases we lived on, was introduced to Real Tennis for the first time aged seven at Falkland Palace, but only took up playing when I moved to Cambridge for university. I had a long hiatus post university, but really enjoying being back playing now.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Well, I share a birthday with Clint Eastwood, so we could see if he has the range for it? Or Tamsin Egerton is the tallest British blonde actress I know - unfortunately the similarities stop there!
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
I can't claim to have a pre-tournament routine, but anything upbeat is good with me.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I have flown a plane solo.
Elvia Campione: British Amateur with Handicap 38.6 (S); 38.8 (D)
Physics Teacher with 2 grown up boys. I love any racquet sport.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Audrey Hepburn.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Let’s Go by Jaden Bojsen.
Sabrina Didizian: British Amateur with Handicap 40.3 (S); 41.7 (D)
I picked up a Real Tennis racquet for the first time two years ago and haven’t looked back since. With a competitive background in tennis and squash (both of which I play for the Queen’s teams), I’d always thought I’d try Real Tennis later in life. But after getting into Rackets as well as padel a few years ago, I decided to give the last sport at the Club a go and I was immediately hooked.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
I’d go with Eddie Redmayne as he’s great at playing the slightly awkward underdog who can often pull it off in the end. Plus if he can make physics look dramatic in The Theory of Everything, he can probably make my serves look impressive.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
I can’t ignore Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ because Queen’s is both on my shirt and in my ears. And I also can’t deny my childhood obsession with Justin Bieber which always gives me a boost of nostalgic adrenaline.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I’m weirdly quite good at axe throwing.
Nicola Doble: British Amateur with Handicap 29.6 (S); 28.1 (D)
Cats, Maths, Purple, Real Tennis, Theatre.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
The Light Fury from "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World". Suitably felinic.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
I don't listen to music, but the sound of a purr always helps.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
The one food I couldn’t live without = raw carrot.
Claire Fahey: British Professional with Handicap 2.7 (S); 8.6 (D)
Ladies World Champion 2011 to present.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
Claire Danes, because people say I look like her
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Taylor Swift.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I was selected in the top eight (out of 350) on an Olympic training program with GB - to train for canoeing at the Olympics with a goal of Tokyo 2020 but turned it down to play Real Tennis!
Alex Garside: British Amateur with Handicap 35.8 (S); 37.5 (D)
I have won numerous tournaments many years ago! These include World Championship Doubles, British and French Open Singles and Doubles, US and Australian Doubles and Scottish Doubles.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Any song by Coldplay!
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I won the French Open Singles when I was pregnant with my daughter.
Jess Garside: British Amateur with Handicap 31.1 (S); 30.7 (D)
I’ve been playing Real Tennis since the age of six, and after reaching multiple Open Doubles finals, I finally won one in September this year.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Chappell Roan - Pink Pony Club
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I work for the Premier League and have met lots of famous footballers - it’s impressive because I know almost nothing about football and have no idea who they were.
Tara Lumley: British / Australian Amateur with Handicap 23 (S); 25.1 (D)
Real Tennis has been a big part of my life since I was a child. I now enjoy playing at Queen's alongside my work in a start up.
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
People have said I look like Effy from Skins, so maybe her..?
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Numb by Linkin Park
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
Killer whales are my favourite animal!
Minty Oldham: British Amateur with Handicap 35.8 (S); 37.8 (D)
Hi I'm Minty! A bat and ball sports enthusiast living in SW London with my boyfriend Tom. When I'm not hitting up the Real Tennis/Rackets court, golf course or cricket nets, I work for L&G developing and investing in affordable housing.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Pretty much anything 90s indie rock or 80s but favourites are Blur, Arctic Monkeys and the Verve.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I adore Wes Anderson films and am allergic to Star Wars/Star Trek- sorry to the major fans out there!
Karla Popovic: Croatian Amateur with Handicap 35.5 (S); 39.5 (D)
From match points to excel spreadsheets — ex-pro tennis player, Berkeley grad, and hopelessly optimistic Real Tennis rookie.
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Imagine Dragons
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
Scuba diving with sharks is my happy place — the bigger and scarier, the better.
Georgie Willis: British Amateur with Handicap 29 (S); 30.5 (D)
I have played Real Tennis and Rackets from a junior level and, work, life and injury permitting, still love to get on court. This is my first tournament after a long break and I can’t wait to get the rust off!
If someone made a film about this year’s British Open, who do you think would be the best actor/actress to play you and why?
I really can't think of one so maybe I have a 'unique' face - not sure whether that's a good thing...
What songs/artists help amp you up before big tournaments like the British Open?
Anything classic Killers or a bit of Sam Fender - anything dramatic.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I am currently living in Madrid!
