This month saw GB’s Davis Cup team back in action for the first time since their historic win last November. The defending champions were looking to secure a victory over Japan at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena to earn their place in the competition’s quarter-finals. After the first two days left things standing at 2-1 in GB’s favour, tennis fans were treated to an enthralling five-hour marathon between Andy Murray and Japan’s No.1 seed Kei Nishikori, in which Murray eventually triumphed.
Whilst Great Britain were superbly supported by the home crowd that packed out Birmingham’s Arena, tennis clubs all over Yorkshire also rallied behind the team, using their Benenden #BackTheBrits Packs to host tennis festivals during the weekend. Fifteen clubs in Yorkshire claimed a free pack, which included a variety of exciting items to help venues host a successful event such as GB bunting, Andy Murray facemasks, branded water bottles, medals and certificates.
Forty-two players braved the weather (and hailstones!) to attend York Tennis Club’s Davis Cup Festival, in which junior players paired up with an adult family member for a fun doubles competition. In the North of the County, meanwhile, members at Kirkbymoorside Tennis Club put their pack to good use, decorating the club’s courts with flags and bunting for their event to show their support for the GB team. Whilst Whitkirk Tennis Club also rallied behind the Brits, hosting a tournament in which forty players of all ages and abilities took part.
Congratulations to all of the clubs that held a Davis Cup Festival using the Benenden #BackTheBrits Tennis Festivals Packs and to everyone who participated in these events – you did the boys proud!!
Want to do it all over again? Clubs can now claim their FREE Benenden Grass Court Season Tennis Festivals Pack via the LTA website. Why not find out whether your club has claimed theirs yet?!