Iconic tennis tournament returns next year

Entries are steadily flowing in for the 47th edition of the traditional Wairau River Rapaura doubles tennis tournament which kick starts the new year at the iconic grass court venue.

The action begins on Friday, January 2, with the mixed doubles tournament which has a maximum field of 24.

This is followed by the long-standing men’s and women’s doubles event, which spans Saturday and Sunday, January 3-4.

Entries, which are all online this year, close on December 29.

At the last tournament, played in early January this year, the men’s doubles title was claimed by accomplished local lad Lee Harborne and Nelson player Simon Phillips. They downed Rai Valley-bred siblings Dene and Glenn Wilson, the latter a former Davis Cup player and captain, in a three-set final.

The women’s title was taken out by veterans Renny Spruijtenburg and Ruth Seeman, a former professional player.

The mixed title was won by Seeman and Oscar Symonds, who overcame local youngsters Ella Sowman and Dan Clarke in a super tiebreak.

Several of last year’s top players will be back for another crack at the coveted titles, including the Wilson brothers, Lee, Renny and Ruth, while US-based Harry Pugh, a former winner, is also returning.

An interesting pairing who will add spice to the main draw is the Nelson duo of Connor Edmonds, who recently made the semifinals in the national 18s doubles, and Alex Hunt, a former world champion in para standing tennis. Alex played on the main circuit and reached 1700 in the world a few years ago.

Although some highly-rated players are attending, organisers stress that the tournament is designed to cater for players of all abilities and is especially family-orientated, with lots of siblings and parent/child pairings.

Prior to the New Year doubles, the Rapaura junior doubles for players 13 and under will be staged. It is scheduled for December 30, with all the finalists invited to play the senior doubles.

Although the senior doubles entry is officially designed for those 14 and over, plenty of exceptions have been made in the past depending on ability. A parent with a very good 13 and under player can be considered for entry together, say the organisers.