"The future of British tennis is looking good" were the words of our club chairman, Fran Paul, after Saxmundham Tennis Club hosted this year's county-wide Suffolk Grand Prix for junior players aged 8 and under on Sunday 24th July, 1-4pm.
Thanks to head coach Matt agreeing to host the event for the second year running, the Suffolk Grand Prix got off to a flying start with a full complement of 18 competing juniors lined up to play in two groups.
Competitors and their families came from as far afield as Wortham and as close to home as Kelsale, and there were also a few of Saxmundham's own juniors taking part.
The format was to play on a half court, horizontally with a mini net, serving as if playing a tie-break; the first player reaching ten points won the mini-match.
There were joint winners on the day, and the standard of play was very high indeed; all players demonstrating impressive coordination, focus and skill.
In a quick post-event report on the club's WhatsApp, Matt said: "Fantastic fun in the sun as Saxmundham hosted the 8s and under Suffolk Grand Prix event with a full capacity of 18 juniors completing some quality tennis.
"A big thank you to all those that came along and helped with the likes of Jo, Fran, Nicole, Sharon, Nico, Daniel, Cameron and Ewan all putting in a shift to allow this to run smoothly and also help umpire the matches."
Despite the hot weather, many parents and carers were keen spectators, some helping with scoring, others enjoying the shade and iced water; but all enjoying the excellent matchplay.
A big well done to the players, and also to Matt for his dextrous scoring, organisation, time and ongoing commitment to promoting junior tennis at the club.
