Experience gets the better of youth at Western Rackets Club Champs
“He is very talented, he has a great work ethic and I have no doubt he will be a success.”
Climbing to the summit of a mountain is an arduous task but once it is accomplished the first time, every attempt that follows becomes fractionally easier.
Wily veteran Devon Hendricks continued his pursuit of history when he defended his club champion crown on Saturday, 28 November. Looking to dethrone the four-time winner was a bright prospect 13 years younger than his decorated opponent, Anrikus Zevenster. To add an extra level of competitive niggle, Devon is Anrikus’ coach and mentor.
Once the D, C and B sections had been wrapped up by Ruan van den Bosch, Kobus Gravett and Kai Bester, respectively, the Western Rackets family assembled on the steps overlooking Court One in anticipation for the final A section tussle. The two combatants gathered their thoughts in the shadows of the unused courts before walking out for their warm-up.
Praising Devon’s influence before the game, Anrikus said, “He has taken me to the next level. He is an excellent player and I am proud to share the court with him”. Devon showed equal respect, acknowledging Anrikus’ potential. “He is very talented, he has a great work ethic and I have no doubt he will be a success.”
Anrikus would race to a 9–4 lead but Devon would fight back to take the first set 11–9. The first set scare prompted more focus from the man ranked fifth in South Africa, grinding out the second set. A brave Anrikus would not go quietly, showing great technique and court awareness to take the third set 11–9. Sensing he could push the veteran to a fifth set, Anrikus threw everything at Devon in the fourth but would fall just short, with experience prevailing 11–9.
Pushing through a knee injury, the result sees Devon claim his fifth club championship title and now has his sights set on a record sixth. “My physio did warn me about playing but I don’t have many years left. I have history to make,” chuckled Devon. Anrikus showed there was plenty of talent emerging from the prestigious squash club keen to carry the torch well into the future, but Devon showed he is far from done yet.
