Tennis Finals Day 2026

The club held its annual Tennis Finals Day on Saturday 27th June. See full results here.

Finalists had to contend with extremely hot weather, with as many as 39 events taking place across the day. However, players of all ages, from Junior to Senior, rose to the occasion in the heat and produced some exciting matches for spectators to enjoy from the clubhouse patio with cold drinks in hand.

The Ladies Singles featured first time finalist, Stella Gordon and Ellie Mathews, who was making her first final appearance since 2019. Stella took the first set 6-4 after coming from 0-4 down, but Ellie levelled up in the second to setup a championship tie-break, which she went on to win 10-6.

The Mixed Doubles Final was between last year’s runners-up, Andy Ring & Anna Styles and new finalists Luke Ashley & Ellie Mathews, fresh from her singles victory. Luke and Ellie produced some excellent tennis and took a tight first set 7-5, but Andy and Anna rallied impressively in the second (6-1) to make it 1-1, setting up a championship tie-break for the match. Andy and Anna took control in the second half of the tie break winning 10-6.

Andy Ring was then joined by club head coach, Josh Sapwell, in the men’s doubles final against one of the club’s other coaches, Josh Rose and his young teammate, Max Martinez-Williams. The Rose & Martinez-Williams pair took the first set 6-4, but Sapwell & Ring showed their class by taking the second 6-1, setting up the third championship tie-break of the day. Tensions were high, but after a close battle Sapwell & Ring edged a 10-8 victory.

There was no rest for Andy Ring, who then took part in his third straight final of the day in the Men’s Singles. This was against his earlier doubles opponent Max Martinez-Williams. In a match of high quality from both players, Andy took the first set (6-3), before Max drew level by taking the second (6-1). Yet another championship tie-break was required to settle affairs, which Max won 11-9, and in the process became the club’s youngest ever winner at 14 years of age. 

The Ladies Doubles Final was between the reigning champions, Lisa Greenfield & Anna Styles, who faced Kate Murphy & Nicola Gallamore, who had reached the final after an earlier semi-finals night epic that finished at 10.45pm. A straight sets 6-2, 6-2 win for Lisa and Anna followed, managing to retain the title they won 12 months earlier. 

The stamina award on Finals Day should go to Luke Ashley, who played a total of 91 games and one tie-break during his 5 finals, the first of which started at early as 9am and the last of which finished shortly prior to 9pm under the floodlights.

This year also featured the club’s inaugural “one point singles championship”, where a draw of 32 players battled out over a series of 1 point matches. The semi-final and final were played out on the club’s show courts, with walk on music for the players, and a fun atmosphere generated by those watching on. The winner was Wal Mackey, who generously donated the ‘winner takes all’ prize money to The Hospice of St Francis, a local Berkhamsted charity. 

Trophies were presented by one of our Trustees and well respected member, Judith Allnutt after our president Sue Wolstenholme was unable to attend due to illness.  Our Tennis Chair Adam gave the audience a summary of Sue’s amazing life achievements both at our club and within the tennis world so it was a shame she couldn’t witness the warm applause she received.

This year’s Lidderdale Cup’s worthy winner for Outstanding Junior Member of the year was Oscar Markwort and our diligent caterer Claire Garlick received a bouquet for her hard work behind the scenes.

Thanks go to the new Tennis Tournament Committee for organising a very successful tournament and Finals Day. Your hard work over the months before and on the day are much appreciated.