* The British Junior Real Tennis Championship 2023

1

A record 42 players from many different clubs around the UK plus 3 from overseas competed over 3 days in the top junior tournament of the year. The event took place at Queen's Club over the weekend of 18^th – 20^th August. The finals were all held on Sunday 20th in front of a large and knowledgeable crowd of parents and supporters.

In the U12 section, the final was between Albie Tomlinson (Oratory) and Kurt Meuller (Tuxedo USA). The talented youngster from Tuxedo, playing in his first overseas tournament was too strong for Albie with the American winning 8/2.

The U14 section was dominated by Max Warner (Queen's) and Laszlo Garson (Radley). Everyone was expecting a really close final but Laszlo started very strongly and never let his advantage slip winning 6/0 6/2.

In the U18 section “old rivals” Bertie Vallat (Queen's) and Henry Henman (Radley) faced each other, both trying to win the coveted U18 bowl for the first time. The first set was played at a very high standard, as would be expected from two players not far off single-figure handicaps! Bertie came out on top in this epic set and Henry never recovered with Bertie going on to win 6/4 6/0.

The final match of the Championships was the U16 final which on paper was a repeat of the U14 final between Max Warner and Laszlo Garson. However, it turned out to be anything but a repeat with an extraordinary game of Tennis. These two young players just 12 & 13 years old put on an exhibition which those lucky enough to have been present will never forget! As with all thrillers, it started off quite slowly with Max taking the first set 6/2. Laszlo fought back winning the next 6/3 and then on to the third set. An absolute thriller reached 5/5 and deuce with Max having many match points before Laszlo finally triumphed 6/5.

The Nat Duncan Trophy and Racket was presented to Caspian Rugg (Bristol) for outstanding sportsmanship.

Results

Queen's Club, Sunday 20th August 2023

U18 Bertie Vallat (Queens) bt Henry Henman (Radley) 6/4 6/0

U16 Laszlo Garson (Radley) bt Max Warner (Queens) 2/6 6/3 6/5

U14 Laszlo Garson (Radley) bt Max Warner (Queens) 6/0 6/2

U12 Kurt Meuller (Tuxedo) bt Albie Tomlinson (Oratory) 8/2

Girls Plate Winners

U18 Isabella Harvey (Cambridge)

U16 Martha Raitt (RTC)

U14 Rose Kay (Hyde)