Wimbledon returns to Collaroy

'Doris Becker' and friends at Collaroy Wimbledon Day 2025

Unlike the weather that often prevails at SW19, Saturday July 12 saw the sun shining brightly over CTC2097 as Collaroy club members gathered for our 3rd Grand Slam celebration of the year.

With Anisimova, Świątek, Alcaraz and Sinner preparing to do battle for Wimbledon honours on the other side of the world, Richard, Anita, Geoff and 'The Annas' (both 1 & 2) prepared to take on 40 or so of their fellow members, all seeking glory at Collaroy Tennis Club.

As with most of our Grand Slam events, teams were selected for each of our 6 courts, players swapping partners after every match in a round robin format and the winners being those with the highest aggregate scores per court.

'Stentman' rules on Court 1

Court 1 saw the resurrection of one of Collaroy's finest, the redoubtable Warren (aka 'Stentman'). Having finished runner-up just 2 weeks earlier in our French Open event, Warren made no mistake at Wimbledon, accounting for his Badge team mates John and Phil, along with Michela, Sharon, Karen W. and Maria. The comeback is complete.

Just what every recovering heart patient needs as a prize.

A crack line-up of Internationals took to Court 2 seeking Wimbledon success.

On Court 2, new young member Josh was seeded No. 1, despite Cat's recent victory at the French. They were up against stiff opposition from the likes of Chris E., Barbara, Kerry and Wil, however it was Geoff (wearing a wig that presumably was meant to emulate Bjorn Borg but looked more like 'Doris Becker') who took the chocolates on the day.

Boom Boom McAlinden's big serve wasn't enough against the 'Chopper' on Court 3

Court 3 starred our most experienced players. Given he has a game made for grass, Richard was installed as favourite against the likes of Ed, Ros, Les, Lynne and Kate, although a late entry from the big serving 'Boom Boom Colm McAlinden' was going to be tough to overcome. But after missing out in recent Slams, 'Chopper'* was not to be denied, his vicious sliced ground strokes playing a big part in returning him to Grand Slam glory. *Note: Richard's 'nomme de guerre' relates to his tennis style and NOT his dental practice, (as one unkind opponent suggested).

On Court 4, 'Tom the POM' was considered the likely winner pre-tournament, though Eri, French Open winner Anita, the big hitting Kenny, Mr Consistency Damian and Leftie Mark W. all gave themselves a chance. Yet in an upset for the ages, Filipino superstar Anna C. mirrored the recent achievements of her countrywoman Alexandra Eala and came from the clouds to run down ALL of her more fancied opponents... a HUGE effort!

Court 5 competitors looking 'Wicked in all-White'

On Court 5, French Open winner Gareth G. and wife Anna were in a tough pool featuring Peter M. (who returned from touring the Mediterranean, specifically for this event), young gun new member Jade, the well-credentialed Samantha and former Slam winners Carmen and (an ailing) Dave. Despite Court Captain Peter calling a match sequence that was unrecognisable to that on the official draw sheet, the tennis was friendly and frantic all day, with Samantha emerging as the eventual winner. Of note, this was the only court that kept strictly to Wimbledon's all-white dress code... well done Team.

Wimbledon Ladies Line-Up

Finally, Court 6 featured an all-female line-up this year, the Ladies outnumbering their male counterparts overall on the tournament entry list. In truth, this was the fun court, with peels of laughter echoing across the precinct from first match to last. Though extremely closely contested (and with Court Captain Sacha generously excluding herself as a potential champion), our U.S. entrant Annette won the title on a count-back to become our first American champion in decades. But on Court 6, tennis truly was the winner.

A veritable feast of Wimbledon-themed treats was provided by a great team of invaluable volunteers. Simone who was injured and unable to play still provided her signature home-made cakes, while Belinda contributed the most delicious scones with jam and cream. There were corned beef sandwiches (easy on the mustard Carmen!), a variety of delectable slices and more. The Club even provided a round or two of PIMM's and Lemonade (thanks Glenn) to emphasise that we wouldn't be outdone by SW19. A HUGE thank you to all our wonderful Wimbledon volunteers.

Thanks too to Glenn, who though still out with injury, turned up to act as our official tournament referee, to Lavinia who's always there to lend a hand... and to our inimitable official photographer Wil, who captured all the great shots seen within this post. (More photos in the Gallery at the end of this story.)

A presentation was held at the end of the day's play, acknowledging the individual court winners and runners up. And of course, it wouldn't be Collaroy if we didn't award prizes to our best dressed attendees. This year, the Judges jointly awarded 'Best Dressed Ladies' to Anna G. and Michela (the latter, complete with her Wimbledon racquet bag!), while John H. took out the 'Best Dressed Gentleman' award (how could they go past those purple shorts?).

We now have a two-month break until our final Grand Slam celebration for 2025 - the U.S. Open in September. Bring on Flushing Meadows, Queens NYC!