BROMSGROVE – The floodlights at Bromsgrove Tennis Club seemed a little dimmer this past Wednesday night as the Men’s teams gathered for their final practice session with one of the club’s most cherished figures. Justin Kai, a cornerstone of the Bromsgrove tennis community for years, is hanging up his local colors as he prepares for a move to Dorset.

Justin hasn’t just been a fixture on the court; he has been at the centre of the club’s operations. During his tenure, he

• served selflessly on the Club Committee,

• Was a Men's Team Tennis Captain: Leading the men’s squads through grueling matches with strategic grit.

• was a Mixed Team Captain: Balancing the competitive fire with the social camaraderie that Bromsgrove prides itself on.

The Man, The Myth, The Backhand

Opponents and teammates alike will long remember the specific "Justin Kai" brand of tennis. Many a rival has been left frozen by his scary serve, a thunderous delivery that defied his easy-going nature. When he wasn't firing aces, he was painting the lines with a flowing one-handed backhand—a stroke of pure elegance in an era of double-handed power.

Yet, for all his skill, Justin’s greatest legacy might be his temperament. He always had a warm smile ready for new members, acting as the ultimate ambassador for the sport. He possessed endless patience for beginners, offering a kind word and a steady hand to those still trying to figure out which end of the racket to hold.

Jayne Perry, current captain of the Mixed D team says

He was the very first one, and one of the very few, to welcome me into the club on a Tuesday night. He took me under his wing … he probably didn’t realise that, but that’s how I felt. Hence, I loved being captain with him in the mixed B team. So calming playing with him, and yet annoying to play against, he was always a true gentleman to me. He always had my back, on and off the court and that is always something I will remember! We had some amazing chats over coffee and cake driving to away matches. 😂 I will miss his presence 😢

As the session wound down and the traditional post-practice drinks were poured, the sentiment was unanimous: Dorset is gaining a true gentleman of the game, and Bromsgrove Tennis Club is losing a real friend.

A final word of advice for any traveling members, If you are ever in Dorset and see someone on a tennis court and you think 'That looks a bit like Justin', stop and say hello. You’ll know it’s him the moment you see that smile.