2019 Young Seniors World Championships - Overview

I recently had the opportunity and privilege of being captain of the Australian Men’s 40’s team at the Young Seniors World Teams Tennis Championships in Miami, Florida. It was the first time representing my country and it was a great privilege. The standard of tennis was very high with many ex-professional players representing their country.

Above: Most of our matches were played at Flamingo Tennis Centre in South Miami Beach, which is where the prestigious Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships were played for more than 50 years. Many of the tennis greats won the Orange Bowl including Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, , Steffi Graff, , , , and .

Above: Each match in the team’s event consisted of 2 singles and a doubles. Our first match was against the number 7 seed, Great Britain. It was very strong competition and we lost 3-0.

Above: We won our second match against Estonia 2-1. My team mates played a great doubles match to seal victory. Both Estonian players were former Davis Cup players for their country.

Above: Our first play-off match was against Russia and we lost 2-1.

Above: Although we lost against Russia, I was very happy with my effort winning my singles match 5- 7 6-4 6-0 in three hours. My team mates are congratulating me after the match.

Above: We won our second play-off match against Turkey 2-1. I was pleased with my performance, winning my singles and doubles matches.

Our last play- off match was against Mexico. They unfortunately forfeited which meant Australia finished 12th out of 21 countries. We were happy with our efforts and the result.

Above: Spain defeated Netherlands 2-1 in a close final. It was exceptionally high-quality tennis. The Individual World Championships were played after the Teams World Championships.

Above: In the singles event I reached the Round of 32, losing to the number 6 seed and 8th ranked international player from Great Britain, Philip Loose, 1-6, 7-6 (6) 6-7 (3). It was a long and close match at 3hours 20 minutes and the result came down to a few points in the final tiebreaker. It was also physically demanding and we were both very exhausted at the end of the match. In the next round Philip retired mid-way through the first set.

Above: My team mates Richard Sampson, me, Tristan Venables (my doubles partner in the Individual World Championships), Cameron Venables

In the doubles I teamed up with Tristan Venables, the brother of my Australian team mate Cameron Venables. Tristan is a tennis coach living in the USA. It was our first time playing together and we made it to the semi-finals. One of the highlights in the doubles was beating the No. 2 seeds from USA 6-3, 7-6. In an interesting twist, we lost the semis to my Australian team mates and No. 4 seeds Richard Sampson and Cameron Venables. They unfortunately lost in the final, but were very happy with making the final. Two other Australians made the semi’s in doubles and singles so Australia was well represented at the Individual World Championships.

Above: Tristan and I with medals for making the semi-finals.

A high level of sportsmanship and goodwill was shown throughout the events.

It was an honour to represent my country. A very big thanks to Batemans Bay Tennis Club for their financial support and encouragement. Thanks also to those who assisted with my training and preparation, particularly Brad Baranowski, Anton Willett and Rob Frawley. Thanks also to all the people I’ve played at the tennis club over the last few years! It has been great to share my passion for tennis with others.

I look forward to seeing you on the court!

Doug Skipper