April Tennis News

Written By istván németh

Tennis-Times April 2025 Newsletter: Sunshine, Smiles & Smash Hits!

What a start to the season! April greeted us with glorious blue skies, thrilling rallies, and a buzzing community atmosphere as the Northamptonshire Summer League launched into full swing!

With 1,000+ matches scheduled across 24 clubs, our county is once again writing another chapter in its proud tennis history—93 years strong and going!

A heartfelt thank you to every captain, player, volunteer, and our loyal sponsor John Henry Sport Northampton for keeping our league alive and thriving.

April Spotlight: League Champions

Mixed League

  • Div 1: County A

  • Div 2: Duston United A

  • Div 3: Harpole A

  • Div 4: Duston United B   

Ladies League

  • Div 1: County A

  • Div 2: Kettering A

  • Div 3: Brixworth A

  • Div 4: Brixworth B   

Men’s League

  • Div 1: County A

  • Div 2: Kettering B

  • Div 3: Roade A

  • Div 4: County D

  • Div 5: Kettering C

  • Div 6: County E   

Veterans & Accolades

  • Haskins Salver (Top Men’s Pair): Steve & Andy Guy (Dallington)

  • Ladies Veterans: County A (Div 1), Northampton A (Div 2)

  • Men’s Veterans: County A (Div 1), County C (Div 2)

Easter Camps Recap: Serving Up Sunshine

This Easter, over 400 children enjoyed a sun-filled, tennis-packed week across NTC, Kings Park, St Peter’s School Kettering, and Northampton Lawn Tennis Club.

  • 175 hours of energising, inclusive tennis

  • Easter-themed tennis egg hunts & team games

  • Smiles, laughter, and lifelong memories

  • Big thanks to the passionate coaches and families who made it magical!

🎾Local Stars Rising: David & Olivia Shine Bright!

Big Congratulations to David 👏

FIRST TOURNAMENT WIN at Northampton County Lawn Tennis Club—what a way to kick off the season!

Well done David—your hard work paid off!

Olivia’s Outstanding Easter👏

  • 2nd Place – 9U Grade 4 at Letchworth (narrow 11–9 final!)

  • 2nd Place – 9U Grade 4 in Warwickshire

  • 3rd Place – 10U Grade 5 in Leamington

  • 1st Place – 9U Grade 3 in Gloucestershire!

Incredible progress, Olivia—keep up the fantastic effort!

Northants U8 County Team: Small Players, Big Performances

Our under-8s showed heart and grit in Solihull:

  • Boys beat eventual winners Warwickshire A

  • Narrow 9–11 loss to Oxfordshire in a nail-biting shootout

  • Every girl won a match in their first-ever tournament.

Big thanks to Captains Laura & Neil and all the supportive parents!

Kettering Tennis Club: New Courts, New Energy

We’re thrilled to announce the refurbishment of our four outdoor courts, outdoor seating, and community room at Kettering Tennis Club, made possible by a generous £68,882 grant from FCC Communities Foundation, with support from North Northamptonshire Council and a £7,404.82 contribution from the club’s own funds.

This investment is a significant boost to our facilities, and we can’t wait to welcome players back to enjoy the upgraded courts and amenities.

Tennis Tips of the Month: Little Changes, Big Results

1. Master Your Serve Toss

A great serve starts with a great toss:

  • Keep your tossing arm straight and relaxed

  • Release the ball at eye level

  • Aim for a toss that peaks just above your hitting hand

  • Practice the toss daily—even without hitting the ball!

2. Footwork Fix

Want more power and control? Start from the ground up:

  • Split step as your opponent hits

  • Stay on the balls of your feet—light and ready

  • Small steps = better adjustments for big shots!   

3. Boost Your Focus

Before each serve or return:

  • Take a deep breath

  • Visualise your shot

  • Commit to your decision. Confidence is key!

What’s Happening Nationally?🌍

Jack Draper Makes History

Jack Draper reached his first ATP clay-court semi-final at the Mutua Madrid Open, beating Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 6–0, 6–4. He’s now a top-5 ATP player—only the second left-hander to do so this century after Rafa Nadal!

Italian Open: May 5–18

All eyes are on Rome as top Brits—Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, and Jacob Fearnley—join the world’s best for two weeks of action-packed tennis.

Women’s Tennis Returns to Queen’s Club

The HSBC Championships (June 9–15) mark the first women’s event at Queen’s in over 50 years! Big names expected: Naomi Osaka, Pegula, Boulter, and more.

LTA Pushes for £75M Community Court Investment

By 2030, the LTA plans to build 40 covered community sports hubs—more places for you to play, whatever the weather!

Mark Your Calendar: Kings Park Open Day

Date: Sunday, 26th May 2025

Time: 12–5 PM

Where: Kings Park Tennis Centre

  • Free taster sessions

  • Family fun & games

  • Open to all ages and abilities!   

Bring a friend and fall in love with tennis.

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istván németh
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