Bergmann claims fourth title in a row
"The level of tennis and number of entries in the men's events is worth noting, but we really hope more women will get involved next year," Reenen Bergmann, organiser of the club championships said.
Nelspruit Tennis Club held its club championship finals at the Van Riebeeck Park courts Saturday.
The men’s singles final produced some great tennis with Reenen Bergmann beating Joseph van der Merwe in two sets, 6-4, 6-3, to clinch the title for the fourth year in a row.
The two were set to face off again with their partners in the men’s doubles later in the morning. Bergmann and his partner, Jurie Steenkamp, managed to win the closely contested first set against opponents, Van der Merwe and Francois Nel. The latter fought back to claim the second and third sets to win the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Unfortunately, there were only five entries in the ladies singles and instead of a knockout draw, a round-robin format was followed. Jeanetha Boshoff claimed the title after winning three of her four matches.
Husband-and-wife couple, Joseph and Helene van der Merwe, took home the prize for the winners of the mixed doubles after a walkover in the final.
Organiser of the championships, Bergmann, said he was impressed with the standard of tennis in this year’s tournament but was disappointed with the small number of entries, especially in the ladies’ singles and doubles events.
“The level of tennis and number of entries in the men’s events is worth noting, but we really hope more women will get involved next year,” he said.
He also made special mention of his doubles partner, 72-year-old Steenkamp, who played three tough matches on finals day.
“He is the oldest member of the club and also the only entrant who played all of his three matches today. He is just incredible,” Bergmann said.
