Over 60 players competed in Sale Tennis Club’s 69th Club Championships on Sunday November 28.  Following the completion of the court redevelopment players had full use of the entire 14 red porous courts for the first time in over 3 years, and with favourable weather thrown in, it was a wonderful full day of tennis.

Events ranged from 10 and under boys and girls singles and doubles through to Open Men’s and Women’s singles and doubles events.

There were 4 Honour Board events being contested and despite some stiff competition 3 of the 4 events were retained by the 2020 champions.

In the Open Men’s Singles former club coach and number 1 seed Anthony Zafiris was successful in defending his title for a second time, making it 3 in a row.  Having defeated former coaching student Sen Goold in the semi-final Zafiris was up against number 3 seed Sam McGregor, who had a strong semi-final win against new club member Marrien Van Den Heuvel. The final saw some exceptional tennis with the Zafiris serve and heavy groundstrokes eventually taking its toll on McGregor, who could not match the sustained aggression or find his way through the strong defense. 

Anthony eventually prevailed in straight sets. 

In the Open Women’s Singles final 2020 Champion Jess Board played Mia Goold, who did a fantastic job to win her way into her first Open Ladies Singles final, despite being eligible for the 12 & Under Singles. Board, who is only 16 herself, was in no mood to let her younger opponent steal the limelight and was all class in winning in straight sets  to make it 3 Open Women’s titles in a row. It was a real treat to see two players so young competing with such maturity and poise and their good sportsmanship was on full display throughout the whole match. 

Both Jess and Mia then squared off again in the 18 & Under Girls Singles final.  Mia played some of her best ever tennis but she was unable to deny Jess her second title of the day as she went on to win 8 – 5, giving her both the Open and 18 & Under titles for the third year in a row, matching a similar triple double achieved by Kelly Hudson in 2003.  Doubtless Jess will attempt to go one better in 2022 and break this long standing record. 

In the 18 & Under Boys Singles Sam McGregor took on last year’s runner-up, Sen Goold in the final.  While Sen more than held his own with some high quality tennis Sam showed great skill and court craft to hold him off and take out the title 8 – 5.

 Other highlights of the day were:

• Masami Goold had a wonderful championships winning the Open Ladies Doubles with her daughter Mia, as well as the Mixed Doubles title with Andrew Nicholas.
• Josiah Levchenko continued his fantastic form and was successful in the 12 & Under Boys Singles against Louis Lazzaro, won the 14 & Under Boys Singles against Sam Bertino and then backed up in the 12 & Under Doubles with his partner Louis Lazzaro to defeat Andre Wasserman and Sam Crouch. Josiah’s brother Judah also won titles in the 10 & Under singles and the 10 & Under Doubles with Henry Seeber.    
• The Family Doubles event proved ever more popular, with a large field of enthusiastic players.   It was the first opportunity for many parents to play a match with their children and it is unsure if it was the Mums and Dads or the children who enjoyed it most.  Louis and Sam Lazzaro eventually prevaild against Riley and Andrew Nicholas.  We hope that even more people take advantage of this unique opportunity in next year’s event.  

Anthony Zafiris crushes a forehand in his Open Men’s Singles final against Sam McGregor.

 Sam McGregor focuses intently on a baseline forehand in his match against Anthony Zafiris.

Anthony Zafiris is well off the ground while serving in his match against Sam McGregor.

Mia Goold shows perfect technique as she plays a backhand in her Open Women’s Final match against Jess Board.

Jess Board is in great position as she plays a strong backhand from the baseline in her match against Mia Goold.

Runner up Sam McGregor and Open Men’s Singles winner, Anthony Zafiris with Sale Tennis Club President, Robin Lowe.

Open Ladies Singles winner Jess board with runner up Mia Goold.

Family Doubles Finalists Louis and Sam Lazzaro & Andrew and Riley Nicholas