Middlesex Tennis had a wonderful year in 2017 - led by the Management Committee and staff. 2017 saw the appointment of Valerie Copenhagen (Disabilities Co-ordinator), Andrew Lewandowski (Head of Performance) and Sangeeta Arora (Competitions Co-ordinator) to support the Tennis Development Manager, John Love. Middlesex Tennis is looking to ensure if someone wants to play tennis, then the opportunity for them to do so is there.
The quality of nominations and award recipients highlight how competitive the on court Tennis is as well as all the effort behind the scenes.
Held at The Queen's Club, The Awards Evening was a chance to recognise all those involved in and who support Middlesex tennis.
The Evening started off (after a wonderful Canape and Prosecco reception) with the 10 British Tennis Awards, presented by John Love, Tennis Development Manager. The winners of these awards go through to the Regional and the potentially National Stage of the awards.
- Club of the Year Wembley & Sudbury Lawn Tennis, Squash & Social Club
- Coach of the Year Manfred Naumann (Conway LTC)
- Community Venue Award Pavilion Sports & Cafe
- Competition of the Year Middlesex Tennis Summer League
- Disability Programme Award Highgate Lawn Tennis Club
- Volunteer of the Year Alice Shimmin (Hartswood LTC)
- Young Volunteer of the Year Willem Cooper
- Official of the Year Brenda Stewart
- Education Programme Award Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls
- Outstanding Achievement Award John James
Competition is a vital to Tennis with thousands of players in Middlesex participating in Recreational, County, Graded, National and even International Tournaments. This year we recognised the winners of the 18U Singles Event and County Closed - Mayela Bassega (Girls) and Ali Hassanhabib (Boys). Both players were both still eligible for 14U last Summer so it is a big and challenging achievement.
The Middlesex Cup is one of Middlesex's Prestigious events with the Top 6 players from each club competing across Mens and Ladies and 3 divisions. In 2017, Hazelwood Ladies won the trophy, defeating long-term holders Cumberland LTC in a tightly contested Final. The Queen's Club reclaimed the Men's Cup from Globe with a 5-4 home Victory against Cumberland LTC in the Final.
The Middlesex Summer League, run by Chris Green and Regional Secretaries Brenda Stewart, Ro Foley, Hilary Watts and Mike Walesby reinstated the East V West Play Off three years ago with the Premier League Champions. Campden Hill kept their title for a third year in a row with a win over Cumberland LTC in the ladies and Dukes Meadowes beat Globe LTC in the Play Offs in the Mens.
Finally Three New Awards were introduced this year to highlight Middlesex's increased commitment to Performance Tennis - presented by Andrew Lewandowski.
Team of the Year - 14U Boys, National Champions
County Cup Captain of the Year - Andy Fyfe, Men's Captain
County Player of the Year - Paul French.
Well done to all winners. We are looking forward to expanding on this in 2018.