The forecast was for showers sun and cloud and all were seen during the B&B Garros Slam at the weekend.   The first in the Bradford District Tennis Association (BDTA) junior slam series.  The B&B Garros took place on Sunday 1st June at Beckfoot and Bingley Tennis club in Bingley.  The weather echoing the unpredictable weather at Roland Garros in Paris this year.  The volunteers and players were thankful for those members of  1946 including the ladies in tweed skirts, who laid the courts with a full cinder base, meaning the courts recover super-fast after a shower.  

The tournaments running through the 2025 season are for 15-year-olds and under to experience a slam series of their own.  Taking place on the same court surfaces and at the same time as the 4 Grand Slams of The French Open, Wimbledon, The US open and the Australian Open.
 

Everyone knows clay is a slow surface that tends to elicit longer rallies and has the reputation for being particularly gruelling. However if you master the tactics footwork and mentality to play on clay, it will serve as a great foundation to help you develop into a well-rounded tennis player.

Higher shots with heavy topspin and drop shots are a smart and effective tactic to shift the momentum create space of finish a point outright.  A well-executed drop shot dies more quickly especially with backspin. 

That’s what this years B&B Garros winners demonstrated on Sunday.  The Singles champion Tanish Rokade, was also the doubles champion with partner, winner George Finlay, as pictured.

All players gave some gripping matches and wonderful fair play and sporting behaviours toward each other.  New friendships were forged and admirable sporting behaviour was on display from the players.

Hot chicken sandwiches and lemon drizzle cake for everyone added to a wonderful day.  Looking forward to the next in the series ‘WimCrave’ taking place on the 24th July at Craven tennis club in Gargrave.  If you would like to enter the Slams or have further information emails: tennisbeckfoot@gmail.com

Anwen James-Richards

Vice Chair BDTA

Chair Beckfoot and Bingley Tennis Club