The fifteenth edition of the event took place in Honfleur, France last weekend with Great Britain one of the eight countries taking part in 2022.
In round 1, the team consisting of Emily Arbuthnott, Charles Broom, Holly Hutchinson, Giles Hussey, Nadia Rawson and Ben Jones comfortably beat Switzerland 6-1.
Next up for the team was a determined Australia side but Great Britain were too strong, beating the team from down under 5-2 to set up a clash with USA for the title.
It was a tense final against the USA. In the singles matches, Great Britain’s Holly Hutchinson and Charles Broom beat the number one women’s and men’s NCAA ranked players, with Holly’s opponent 41 games unbeaten this season before their matchup. While Charles was the only number 1 player to win three matches in straight sets.
Unfortunately for Great Britain, Team USA came out on top by just three points so the team had to settle for silver. It was historic silver nonetheless; the medal is the fifth medal in a row for Great Britain at these championships and a seventh major consecutive event where the students team have medalled.
It is also the eleventh major international medal under the captaincy of Alistair Higham and Barry Scollo, and a fourth medal for Emily Arbuthnott, making her the most decorated player in GB student tennis history.
BUCS Tennis Programme Coordinator Aimée Kaye said: “The Master’U BNP Paribas is a prestigious event and one that is very special to be a part of. Winning our fifth medal in a row at the event is an extraordinary achievement, showing the impressive growth of the university tennis offering. Congratulations to Emily, Charles, Holly, Giles, Nadia and Ben on winning the silver medal and for continuing the legacy of British university tennis on the international stage.”
Great Britain team captain Alistair Higham commented on the team’s success: “It was a great campaign with this superb team to win the silver medal, just three points away from gold against the strong USA college team. I couldn’t be prouder of the team spirit and the professionalism of the players and staff.”
[Image credit: Etienne Jeanneret]
