The 2019 Army Tennis Championships were played over the period Saturday 8 to Wednesday 12 Jun 19 at the Aldershot Tennis Centre. This was the 99th Army Tennis championships (first championships were played in 1910). The strength of depth in the Army Men’s team has increased significantly over the past 4 years which has resulted in the men dominating at Inter Service level. Due to military commitments several of the top male competitors were unavailable for the championships however; Capt Ben Roger RA, the top player currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, was available to defend his Army title. Ben worked his way through the draw to the final where he played Spr Simon Killips RE. Both Ben and Simon have been regularly competing in civilian run LTA tournaments throughout the year and they produced an excellent Men’s final which Ben won 7-5, 7-5.
In the Ladies event LCpl Chloe Pike, who has yet to lose a set at either Army or Inter-Service level was unable to defend her title due to a prolonged shoulder injury which also rules her out of this year’s Inter-Service Tennis championships. The absence of Chloe and Major Fiona Welborn (past Army champion) saw the emergence of OCdt Amelia Davies who triumphed over Capt Preet Chandi 7-5, 6-1. Like Chloe, Amelia also currently represents her county at tennis and we look forward to our 100th Army championship in 2020 when hopefully Chloe, Amelia, Fiona and Preet will be vying to win the Army singles title on such a special occasion.
The Regimental doubles were won by 2 young soldiers, Spr Matt Gregory and Spr Simon Killips, representing the Royal Engineers. Both players have been selected to join the Army squad as the team prepare to defend their Inter-Service title.
The Inter-Service ‘A’ Tennis Championships will be held at the Aorangi Pavilion, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), Church Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AE on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 Aug 19.