tennis Fixture

Open Singles and Doubles Championships

16-25 November 2008

at The Queen's Club sponsored by Neptune

SINGLES : Fahey beats Riviere at Queens to take Neptune British Open Singles.

Fahey takes the title for the 9th time - see photos below

Rob Fahey showed again last night that he is not yet ready to hand over any of the myriad titles of which he has ownership in the Neptune British Open Final.

A mixture of guile, power and determination helped Fahey to a 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 win over Camden Riviere at Queens Club.

Riviere may have held a slight psychological edge going into the match, having beaten Fahey in the final of the European Open at Lords last month, but he wasn't giving anything away. The knock up showed a statement of intent from both players; with the usual niceties put aside early on, the top two displayed a full range of shots to an expectant crowd.

The first set was a close affair, with only two net errors from Riviere making the difference. The standard of play was extremely high, and as such it became apparent that the match would be a very tactical affair; Fahey aiming high serves to the back of the penthouse, forcing Riviere to hit forehand returns on the turn. This was a plan that Fahey pursued throughout the match with varying degrees of success, but clearly it stopped the young American from cutting his backhand cross court as often and thus gave Fahey more chance to stay at the service end. A missed force at 4-4 from Camden gave Rob the chance to serve for the set. Some truly remarkable retrieving kept Camden in the hunt, but consistency and some relentless forehands into the tambour gave the World Champion the first set.

The second set proved to be a little more straightforward. Both players were making few unforced errors and finishing points when they had the chance, but those chances fell more to Fahey than his opponent. Some stunning volleys into the grille and the winning gallery delighted the crowd, but Fahey showed why he is still the world's best player with some masterful volley returns. It was noticeable throughout the match that Fahey would volley his returns as often as possible, cutting the ball severely to chase 2 or better at every opportunity. This proved to be the decisive factor in what were long and closely fought games ; that odd shot which was just unplayable. Contrary to the scoreline, Fahey edged the set 6-2.

Riviere then seemed to change tactics somewhat. A more aggressive stance was taken and he seemed to add about 20% more pace to each shot, and started taking on the force at every opportunity. This rattled Fahey, and he started making some uncharacteristic errors, especially on the volley. Camden suddenly looked a new man, with added zip around the court and confidence renewed. He seemed to be in much greater control of the ball on his service and was moving his opponent round the court with great success. This new found controlled aggression allowed him to take the 3^rd set 6-3, much to the delight of his supporters.

The crowd sensed a comeback, and thus potentially a long night ahead, alas there was to be no fairy tale comeback. Fahey regained composure and took control of the rallies, and along with 2 of the finest winning gallery volleys you'll ever see, took the title as well. The tennis really was of the highest quality, with the margin for error so tight, both players should be commended for going after the ball and executing their game plans without hesitation.

So a 9^th British Open for the World Champion, and a night to remember for all those that watched the match. It is clear that Riviere is the heir apparent, but he will have to produce something special to dethrone the king. We all look forward to the potential re-match when Fahey goes for his 10^th next year.

Match reporting by Oli Harris

Photos taken at the Singles Final by Tim Edwards

---

DOUBLES : Fahey and Male win Neptune British Open doubles. Fahey takes Singles and Doubles trophies home.

If the Neptune British Open Singles final was a mix of guile, superb tactical acumen and power, the doubles final was about the latter, and lots of it.

Rob Fahey, current World Champion partnered up with James Male, thought by many to be the greatest Rackets champion of all time. James hung up his Rackets bats some time ago, and by his own admittance had not played much Tennis recently either! They faced off against the stylish Nick Wood and the emerging talent of the game, Camden Riviere. Camden had lost to Rob in the singles final 24 hours earlier and would not have wanted to leave Queens Club without a winner's trophy of some description.

Another packed dedans and gallery made for an expectant atmosphere, the previous night's match having set the standard to which all matches should aspire.

It was clear from the very start that this was going to involve some big hitting, however I don't think many realised just how much. The first set was packed full of exocet-like forces, launched from the racquets of all 4 players. The ease in which players of this standard hit the top corners of the dedans should not be understated. Even with such talent and ability as they all possess, defending the force is a thankless task. The brute power meant for many missed volleys, and as such the first set boomed along to 4-4, with both pairs trading blows and displaying admirable courage under fire.

At this point it is worth noting that the writer was asked on more than one occasion if James is coping ok?, to which one could only point to the court, and await the necessary evidence to be produced. His and all the players ability to volley and retrieve powerful shots from the tambour was breathtaking to watch, and was a key feature of many of the long rallies. It was just such an exchange which decided the outcome of the 1^st set, Rob planting several shots to the tambour region, Nick and Camden clawing back the seemingly impossible, until one final blow sealed the set.

The second went in much the same fashion, some rallies were upset by some missed grilles and the odd shot that crept onto the penthouse, although the standard was still of the highest order. It was and is fascinating to watch the players faces and expressions when the ball inadvertently finds its way onto the penthouse. I think Camden must take the trophy for best anguish when such an event occurs; quite often to accompany the grimace and huff, is a good old stubborn lean against the wall! As usual though, he recovers in time to make yet another astonishing get. Rob and James took the second set 6-2.

The comeback was on in the 3^rd set, Nick and Camden finding their range and killing the ball with less fuss. Camden especially returning serves for the side wall force with particular aplomb. It should be noted that throughout the match, although the ball was travelling quite often at Mach II or above, Nick Wood always looked the picture of calm and serenity. He is the classical stylist of the tennis world, and it was in stark contrast to the other 3 players whose combination of contrasting styles should not be understated. Nick and Camden broke through to take the set 6-2, and setup a tense 4^th set.

As with the previous night's final, there was to be no grand slam finish, no comeback from Camden and Nick, and certainly no let up in the pace of the game. Rob and James completed victory 6-3 in the 4^th set, with James Male at 44 rolling back the years, and putting even more stress on the shelves of his trophy cabinet. For Rob, it is another British Open title, this time retaining it with a new partner; can anything or anyone stop the World Champ? On form if anyone can, it will be Camden, but he will have to wait another year to do it at Queens.

Robin Geffen presents Rob Fahey & James Male with the Doubles Trophy