Brothers Richard and Pip Downs (far left and far right, respectively, in the picture) recently spent a few days in New York and, whilst there, they were thrilled to be invited to play an invitation match at the West Side Club, Forest Hills, the original site of the U.S Open. Together with two friends, also Loughborough University tennis scholarship recipients, they spent the day at the prestigious club. One of the US players is the current Over 35s National Champion, so Rich and Pip approached the match with no little trepidation.

Hard fought in over 30 degrees heat, the boys were amazed to pull off a very narrow GB win and enjoyed a day never to forget. The British men gave the players T-shirts emblazoned with a logo celebrating the event and, in return, were presented with West Side Club caps. 

Since leaving his position of Assistant Head Coach at MLTC, Richard has been able to again enter ITF World Ranking events, already attaining the position of 34 in the world for Over 40s Doubles after his win at Welwyn Garden City recently.  He has also been seeded No 4 in the upcoming Over 45s ITF Singles event to be held at the All England Club, Wimbledon.

The Over 35s Men’s County Cup takes place on the Eastbourne Grass Courts next week and Richard, as Captain, hopes his team, including his brother, will achieve success for Berkshire County.  Every day is packed with singles and doubles matches, with every county throughout the UK represented.