Hello Tennis Tribe!

This weekend saw the culmination of 24 qualifying events, 36 eager qualifiers, and at least sixteen pairs of very sore legs – in the grand finale of the Mark Petchey Road to Wimbledon Tournament.

Now, if you thought Wimbledon had drama, think again…

👑 Queen of Consistency: Hollie Newton
Let’s take a moment to salute Hollie Newton – who not only played 56 games (yes, FIFTY-SIX!) but had enough left in the tank for a championship doubles tiebreaker. She teamed up with Luke “Cool as a Cucumber” Roberts, facing off against Peter Brown and Tip “Always on the Tip-Toes” Flory.

🔥 The Final Tiebreaker: Drama with a Capital D
Peter and Tip raced ahead to 9–6 and were practically planning their victory speech… until Hollie and Luke decided to write their own ending. In a final twist worthy of Netflix, they won five points in a row to clinch it 11–9! Cue wild applause, mild cramping, and probably a few muttered expletives (we won’t name names).

🏆 The Top 10 – Legends of the Lawn

1. Hollie Newton – 38 games won (67.86%)
   Our champion! Hollie didn’t just win matches – she ran a tennis marathon, outlasted everyone, and kept her sense of humour (mostly). Her forehand was on fire, her stats sizzling, and her energy defied logic and lactic acid. Hollie has won a private lesson, tour and lunch for her and a guest with Mark Petchey at Wimbledon. As for the plus-one… we’re not sure yet. But Darren, who helped me run the show all day, has earned a strong nomination – and frankly, he could do with the lesson more than most😁.
2. Peter Brown – 38 games won (67.86%)
   Neck-and-neck with Hollie all day, Peter brought power, precision, and very nearly the trophy. If it weren’t for that final twist in the tiebreak, he’d be lifting it. As it stands, he gets eternal glory and a bruised ego. Plus, Peter bags himself an Active Away coaching weekend at the venue of his choice – worth £218!

That’s two full days of expert tennis tips indirectly from the doubles tennis legend that is Jamie Murray, top-notch drills, and possibly someone explaining for the 47th time how to hit a topspin backhand

3. Dean Swift – 36 games (64.29%)
   Dean was as swift as his name suggests – quietly racking up wins and playing textbook tennis. He might’ve flown under the radar, but make no mistake – his stats show he was a force on court and probably still smiling after every rally.Dean also walks away with an Active Away coaching weekend worth £218 – not too shabby for third place!

He might’ve missed the final tiebreak drama, but he’s scored himself a mini tennis holiday. Two days of pro coaching, competitive hitting, and possibly fewer unforced errors – what more could a third-place legend ask for?

4. Vera Gair – 35 games (62.5%)
   Vera served up a storm and showed more consistency than British weather. Her rallies were relentless, her focus laser-sharp. She proved once again that calm and class are a deadly combo on court.
5. Robert Gair – 33 games (58.93%)
   Robert gave it everything – slicing, dicing, and quite possibly doing the family proud alongside Vera. There’s something in the Gair genetics, and it’s not just good footwork.
6. Michael Todd – 33 games (58.93%)
   Steady as a metronome, Michael quietly collected games and opponents. He may not shout about it, but his win rate speaks louder than a hawk-eye challenge. Watch this space – he’s coming for the top next time.
7. David Pinner – 30 games (53.57%)
   David played with full-throttle determination. Every point was a battle, every rally an adventure. Some say he played so hard he caused a slight shift in the Earth’s rotation.
8. Tip Flory – 28 games (50%)
   Tip was dynamite all day and then nearly helped Peter win the whole shebang in the final tiebreaker. A natural entertainer on court, she played with flair, fire, and just a smidge too much suspense.
9. Steve Rowntree – 28 games (50%)
   Steve might just be the nicest assassin on court – low-key lethal and always grinning. His comeback moments were frequent, his drop shots cheeky, and his chat top-tier.
10. Luke Roberts – 27 games (48.21%)
    Saved the best ‘til last! Luke may have been 10th in total games but firstwhen it mattered most. That ice-cold finish in the tiebreak will go down in ISC history. Cool, calm, collected – and a legend of the final.

🙌 To the Other 26 Heroes…
You ran, rallied, lobbed, and laughed. You made the day what it was – an epic celebration of tennis, camaraderie, and one or two very dodgy serves.

Stay ace,

– Your ISC Tennis Team 🎾
P.S. Hollie’s racquet is now being tested for hidden rocket boosters. We’ll keep you posted.

Craving some good old-fashioned, gloriously average tennis?
If you’d like to play some very normal, delightfully uneventful social tennis this Sunday – with just a faint whiff of competitiveness – the QC is back to its usual calm and civilised self. No tiebreakers, no trophies, just racquets, rallies, and possibly a rogue drop shot.

Let me know by Thursday and you’re in!

Mark Petchey Final – Sheet5-2