Tourees: Ali Hakimi (Capt), James Watson, Ed Pearson, Jules Camp, Ed Granger, Lucie Browning

Tales of copious hospitality, constant merriment and club grandeur and tradition travelled far prompting a visit to the USA by an enthusiastic band of students from the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club. Except for Aiken, South Carolina, the other seven major clubs along the east coast of the USA were visited with a busy match schedule in the waiting.

A common theme on the tour was the impressive way in which the team took to each of the foreign courts as if they were playing at home. The added sharpness gained from the touring experience gave the team an extra edge. Excellent tennis from each of the touring members ensured a complete clean sweep winning all six of the tour fixtures against the American club opposition which also included adding more silverware to the CURTC trophy cabinet by winning the Fowler-Hamilton Cup at Prince’s Court, Washington. In between the competitive tennis we also managed to make a trip to the Georgian Court, Lakewood, part of the estate built and once owned by the famous Jay Gould.

Overall the trip was a fantastic experience both on and off the court. It was an excellent opportunity for all of our players to get more match experience and improve on different aspects of their game. We thank all of those from the USCTA as well as the club professionals and members for their enthusiasm in hosting us and willingness to organise so many enjoyable and competitive fixtures. We were looked after extremely well and made to feel most welcome at all times. We are also very grateful to Harrow Sports and the Cambridge University Giraffe Club fund for their generous sponsorship.

Ali Hakimi