* Brown Advisory Ladies British Open Singles Championships 2023

FINAL MATCH REPORT, JANUARY 23:

In the end, it was a straightforward win for Claire Fahey, who had won the Brown Advisory British Ladies Open in its inaugural year, 2011, followed by three more consecutive wins to 2014. This is therefore Claire’s fifth Open Singles title, all the more remarkable as she has been out of the game for many years and only recently picked up her racquet to play in the Open Doubles. Claire was up against the formidable Cesca Sweet, Open Doubles Champion, last year’s Open Singles finalist and current Under 18 Champion. It was Cesca who played the wonderful boasted winners which proved impossible to retrieve but Claire had the perseverance to win through the first tight game to lead 15/11. Claire continued the second game in dominant form and quickly established a lead which was impossible for Cesca to recover, winning 15/6 and taking a decisive two love lead. Cesca was undeterred and fought all the way to the final point but again Claire was strong in the third and final game, winning 15/9. Ultimately Claire was able to retrieve more and, as the match progressed, found powerful, penetrating shots. Overall, the standard of Ladies Rackets continues to improve year on year and this match was a first class spectacle, enjoyed by the watching gallery.

Of course, Claire’s racquet skills are legendary on the Real Tennis court, where she is the World Champion, but, even so, a remarkable story to see Claire regain the Rackets title after a nine year break. Cesca once again proved to be an outstanding player and tough competitor; she has been rewarded for her consistency by becoming the top ranked lady in the world.

Howard Angus and Peter Mallinson, representing Brown Advisory, presented the Ladies’ Salver to Claire, with both players receiving Pol Roger champagne and a T&RA racquet.

Also thanks to Ben Geytenbeek for his quality streaming throughout the main draw, bringing the sport to a wider audience. Tim Edwards supplied the excellent photographs.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

The main draw will be held on the 21st and 22nd January at The Queen's Club.

See the draw here

Watch here

Quarter Final - click on the names below to watch the matches

Semi Final

Final

Four reasonably straightforward quarter-finals, all won in three games, produced the top four competitors and two superb semi-finals.

The first semi-final fluctuated between the Claire Fahey and second seed Tara Lumley. Claire started the stronger to take the early initiative and the first game quite comfortably. But then Tara steadied, won a hard fought second game to level the match and then a more comfortable third. Claire wasn’t finished and levelled the match by taking the fourth. Tara then streaked ahead in the fifth and final game to lead 14-2, but against Claire fought back, point by point, saving three match points, eventually reaching 14-all, when Tara called set to three. But it was Claire now with the momentum and comfortably returned Tara’s service and swept into the final winning the set 3-0. A remarkable turn-around and a stunning match all round.

The second semi-final saw last year’s finalists, Cesca Sweet against Georgie Willis. Cesca started the better, taking the first game and then a very tight second to establish a two game advantage. But Georgie was not beaten and fought back very well to take an extremely close third game 15/12, and then seemed to have the edge as she took a comfortable fourth to level the match. But now Cesca dug deep and took the early lead in the final game and never looked back, avenging her loss in last year’s final, taking the game 15/8.

Sunday’s final will see four time Open winner Claire Fahey against Under 18 Champion Cesca.