- Rafael Nadal Announces Brisbane Return
- Alicia Molik Named Adelaide International Tournament Director
- Defending Champion Tiafoe Returning for U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship
- Including doubles, Sinner defeats Djokovic three times in 11 days
- Sinner the hero as Italy captures first Davis Cup title since 1976
- Dana Mathewson Wins Two Gold Medals at the Parapan American Games
- Gambill: Wayne Arthurs One of Top 3 Servers
- Davis Cup Finals Draws and Schedule for Sunday, November 26, 2023
- Stars Set for LA Tennis Bash on December 9th to Benefit First Break Academy
- SOLINCO NEW RACQUETS THE WHITEOUT AND BLACKOUT XTD+
- Serbia and Italy advance to Davis Cup semis, setting up another Djokovic vs. Sinner showdown
- Lynne Wasserman, Lew Wasserman’s Daughter | Casey Wasserman’s Mother | Hollywood’s Princess Passes Away
- Former WTA Star Olivia Rogowska Wins Emerging Artist Award for Ceramic Art
- Davis Cup Finals Draws and Schedule for Thursday, November 23, 2023
- Indian Wells Celebrates Thanksgiving with Special Ticket Offer
Tennis News From London • 10sBalls Reports On The Lawn Tennis Writers Holiday Luncheon At Wimbledon’s Debenture Club
- Updated: December 12, 2018
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
The Lawn Tennis Writers’ Annual Awards lunch
The annual (British) Lawn Tennis Writer’s Association awards lunch was back at its old stomping ground at the All England Club after a year’s hiatus.
The Centre Court Debenture Lounge went through a major refurbishment programme last year and proved the perfect setting for the world of tennis to congregate and enjoy in what has now become an increasingly popular traditional pre-Christmas tennis lunch at the All England Club.
Besides tennis journalists from various national newspapers and tennis publications, broadcasters from Sky, BT and the BBC were also there in force as were representatives from several tennis associations including the LTA, ITF, WTA, ATP, AELTC and Queen’s Club.
The lunch kicked off with a mid-day drinks reception for 170 guests and once guests were seated, which took a bit of time as so many from the tennis family were happier chatting to old friends and acquaintances, LTWA’s chairman Barry Flatman (Sunday Times) delivered his welcome speech and before the main course was served the two main awards were presented to recipients.
Kyle Edmund was nominated for this year’s Service to Tennis Award but sadly was unable attend. Instead, his award was picked by his manager Jo Cohan.
The worthy winner of the LTWA’s International Award went to Paul Hutchins for his long involvement with tennis coaching and captaining the Davis Cup. Before the presentation a short video clip was shown on the TV screens around the room showing many of Paul’s past achievements. Despite being diagnosed with Motor Neuron disease last year, Paul was determined to receive his Award even though he is now confined to a wheelchair. With the help of his son Ross, who was a great player and now works for the ATP, he delivered an inspiring speech that brought a tear to many eyes.
As always the lunch’s highlight is the charity auction and raffle hosted again by the inimitable Marcus Buckland, Sky TV’s tennis presenter who was this year assisted by the noted singer Elaine Paige, famous for her amazing performance in Cats. Between them they created an incredible comedy duo leaving many guests in fits of laughter. Amongst the many prizes donated to the Motor Neuron charity were several from 10sballs that included three Julie Heldman signed books, Driven, A Daughter’s Odyssey. All prizes were well received, and even the many 10sBalls pens placed on tables quickly disappeared. In all we raised nearly £4,000 for Motor Neuron Disease.