League Tennis

Rudgwick Tennis Club competes in the Sussex County Doubles League, one of the largest and most competitive leagues in the UK. With clubs across the county fielding multiple teams in each division, league tennis provides a demanding and rewarding test of doubles match play.

How League Matches Work

Each fixture consists of two pairs competing in four doubles rubbers. Matches are typically played at weekends throughout the winter and summer league seasons. Teams are selected by the Team Captains based on availability, current form and overall team balance, in accordance with Sussex League regulations.

Getting Involved

Members interested in league tennis are encouraged to:

• Attend club sessions regularly
• Participate in organised competitive doubles sessions, where possible
• Make their interest known to the Team Captains

League tennis is open to members who are eligible under Sussex League rules and who demonstrate commitment, reliability and match readiness. It is an important part of club life, providing challenge, camaraderie and pride in representing Rudgwick Tennis Club.

Men’s Teams

Men’s 1st Team

Our Men’s 1st team has established itself as one of the strongest sides in the region. In recent seasons the team has consistently delivered league-winning performances, achieving multiple promotions and competing at an increasingly high standard. Most recently, the 1st team secured another league title with a match still to play — a reflection of sustained excellence across the squad. Strong partnerships, resilience in championship tie-breaks, and an ability to perform under pressure have become hallmarks of the side.

The team represents Rudgwick with competitive intensity and sportsmanship, and home fixtures regularly attract members who enjoy watching high-quality doubles tennis.

Men’s 2nd Team

The Men’s 2nd team has developed into a formidable competitive unit in its own right and continues to push at the heels of the 1st team. Recent seasons have seen the 2nds leading their division with one match remaining, following a series of impressive performances including multiple 4–0 victories and strong away wins. The squad has demonstrated both depth and consistency, showing that the club’s competitive strength extends well beyond a single team.

While highly competitive, the 2nd team also provides valuable opportunities for eligible members under Sussex League regulations to gain league experience. Where possible, the club encourages mixing within the squad and the introduction of developing players into match environments — balancing performance with long-term strength and depth. This blend of competitiveness and opportunity has helped raise standards across the club.

A Growing Competitive Culture

Rudgwick’s Men’s teams have raised the bar in recent years. The 1st team’s continued success, combined with the 2nd team’s strength and ambition, reflects the overall development of competitive tennis within the club.

Ladies Teams

Our Ladies 1st Team has participated in competitive league play for several years and has established itself as one of the leading teams in its division. In recent seasons, the team has consistently finished among the top two and has earned regular promotion to higher divisions.

The team continues to perform strongly against significantly larger clubs, many of which field multiple teams and benefit from a broader pool of players for selection. Despite these challenges, our players demonstrate commitment, skill, and teamwork, competing at a consistently high standard.

Ladies’ home matches are also valued social occasions. Closely contested fixtures are followed by refreshments in our new clubhouse, where players and supporters enjoy snacks and homemade cakes in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

We are currently in the early stages of establishing a Ladies 2nd Team. The primary objective of this team is to provide all members who wish to participate in team matches with the opportunity to do so. While maintaining a competitive spirit and striving for success remain important, inclusivity and player development are equally central to our approach.

The 2nd Team has already demonstrated excellent effort and commendable sportsmanship in its matches, offering more players the opportunity to represent the club at a competitive level and contribute to the continued growth of our ladies’ section.

Another exciting aspect of match play, more recently rolled out by the LTA, is the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) global playing standard system. Every tennis player who plays competitive tennis, as in the Sussex League for instance, will have their results automatically recorded, and algorithms will determine a World Tennis Number (WTN) based on match scores over time. The ITF have actually been collating data since 2016 and WTNs are now available on the LTA website. Novices are given a 40.0 WTN and rankings then drop down to professional players ranked on 1. At that point professional tennis players are just listed as Pro in the system, and National Rankings take over.

“From the first session I was welcomed to the club by a very friendly bunch. Since then have only been more convinced of the club’s good nature. Come rain or shine always good to have a good thrash with groups being arranged on all days of the week! Have particularly enjoyed being part of the 1st team representing Rudgwick in Sussex league working our way up the divisions and enjoying good contests. Have yet to find a better club and doubtful that there is one!”

Luke, Adult member 

“As a junior member, I love the atmosphere of the club and the community within the members. I always feel welcome at the club nights no matter my age. And the courts are such high quality, the ball speed and bounce is amazing!”

Olwen, Junior member