Claire Fahey Breaks Record with 13th Ladies’ British Open Win
Real Tennis player Claire Fahey is now the most prolific female in the sport, having broken the Ladies British Open Singles record previously set by Penny Lumley.
Congratulations are in order for Claire Fahey, whose win during the Ladies British Open Singles final on 13 April makes her a record-breaking player. Fahey beat Tara Lumley in straight sets without losing a game, and the win — her thirteenth — places her one win above previous record breaker Penny Lumley. (To see the historic results for the Ladies British Open Singles, click here.)
In an interview with the Henley Standard, the 33-year-old says she didn’t know she had set a new record until she was alerted after the match.
“As soon as I came off the court, I found out about it. It was a nice cherry on the cake,” she enthuses. “It was great to find out. It’s happened a few times when someone has told me about winning a record.”
RELATED: BBC features Claire FaheyFahey is good friends with Tara, whom she partnered with for the British Open Doubles, held during the same weekend (they also won in straight sets without losing a game, beating Nicola Doble and Katherine Carney). She tells the publication that it can be awkward to play against friends, but it comes with the territory.
“I find it hard on your friendship but you just have to get on with the game,” Fahey says. “I’m renowned for being quite relentless, so it wasn’t hard to do.”
Part of that attitude stems from the fact that she started playing Real Tennis against her sister, Sarah Vigrass, from a young age.
“The competitive side is the worst thing but if you can do that to someone like your sister, you can play anyone,” she explains. “I think it gives total respect to the other who you’re trying to beat. If you’re going out there to beat them and giving your all, it’s very respectful.”
RELATED: Read the Full Ladies British Open Match Report
Fans will be able to watch Fahey possibly win her fourteenth Ladies British Open Singles title this November. As the T&RA previously announced, the competition will be moving from Seacourt (where it’s been played the last 34 years) to The Queen’s Club, where it will run concurrently with the British Open.
For Fahey’s full interview with the Henley Standard, click here. And don't miss her interview with the BBC here.
