Tennis champ’s smashing return

WELTEVREDEN PARK – The reigning men’s champion at Weltevreden Park Tennis Club got his title defence underway in emphatic style on the first day of the club’s Men’s Singles Championship.

Everett Foster, men’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles champion, was pitted against one of his toughest opponents, Juan de Beer who has recently risen through the ranks to play league and coach tennis for the club.

Both men knew it would be a fiery encounter and admitted they were anxious and struggled to sleep the night before.

Playing best of 11 games, the first was a ripper with De Beer serving. Foster used his greater size and reach to advantage and played powerful shots off the baseline. Although De Beer was nimble, when he made Foster run forward for the ball, the champion was usually up to the task.

Determination was evident in both players and the rallies seemed to never end. Minutes ticked by as the score reached deuce. Then the tussle for the game continued as both players won advantage from each other numerous times.

Finally, Foster won the game. Foster then surged ahead and took the next two games before a come-back by De Beer made it 5–2.

De Beer would have to win the remaining four games to secure the match. As both players gave their all, Foster’s quiet composure contrasted to De Beer’s sometimes tempered reactions to points lost, but it was clear how much the match meant to both men.

As a true champion would, Foster held on to win 7–4.

“It was a fantastic match, and a tough and long one,” panted Foster. “I did not win by luck. I stuck to my game plan – just getting the first serves in and playing in the corners.”

De Beer said although it was a very fun match to play, it was a high-pressured one to start the championship with, but he was sure he would meet Foster in the final.

Club chairperson, Yusuf Coovadia explained that the 22 championship contenders were divided into two round-robin groups. After 10 rounds of matches, the knockouts would be played. “What we have seen was a brilliant game, the standard of tennis has really improved here in recent years,” he said.

Details: Weltevreden Park Tennis Club 084 703 8857.

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