The Belfast Boat Club will once again be the proud hosts of the Marlborough Clinic Ulster Open from 16-21 June 2025, in what is always a scintillating week of top tennis from the finest players in Ulster and beyond.
Two new singles champions are sure to be crowned as neither of the defending champions can enter due to scheduling conflicts.
Englishman Kyle Rae defeated local man and club favourite Cian McDonnell in an epic final in 2024, but he is committed to tournaments in the USA so Cian, alongside other local players like Dylan Leeman and Jordan McKeown, will have their eyes on the top prize.
Enniskillen girl Eve Callaghan will be in Spain during the tournament as part of her university degree so she will be unable to attempt a three-peat, last achieved by Lucy Octave almost 10 years ago. Some top Ulster and Irish junior girls such as Paige Hawthorne and Kristen Cushnie are sure to feature in the shakedown, but who will emerge from the pack to lift the trophy?
Matches take place Monday to Friday from 6pm with the singles’ finals scheduled for Saturday 21st June at 11am and 1pm.
Spectators are always welcome to come down to enjoy the sights of great tennis being played by the banks of the river lagan, and with food and drink also available, it’s a terrific way to spend a summer’s evening.
The winners will walk away with a healthy sum of money, as well as brand new Rayban sunglasses, supplied by sponsor partner, Jonathan Keys Opticians.
Padel Coaching
Our new Padel coaching sessions are now available to book via the Playtomic App!!
These 4 week courses are aimed at beginner and improver levels. We also have a course designed to help ease with the switch from Tennis to Padel.
For more information visit the Playtomic App now.
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La finition.
Our Tennis Europe Belfast U14 tournament for 2025 finished yesterday with four titles handed out to very deserved competitors, and it was a truly European/International finals’ day with players from India, France, Poland, Switzerland, Wales and Ireland all battling the elements and each other.
Congratulations to all but especially to Timo and Adwita for lifting the singles crowns. Adwita paired up with Amelia to also scoop the doubles trophy while Janek made up for singles final disappointment, teaming with Max to win the boys’ doubles.
Thanks to all who made the week work, particularly the volunteers who acted as court supervisors/umpires, led by the calm authority of white badge referee, Simon McFarland. He was assisted throughout by Will Boyd who is also a white badge referee and a coach within the club so we were very fortunate to have two such skilled individuals helming the ship.
Tennis Ireland President Letty Lucas was a constant presence during the week and was on hand to present the prizes alongside our own club President, Barry McDevitte. Thanks to both.
Roger Henry is a professional stringer who was worked at the very highest level for almost 20 years and his work, as always, was exemplary and we were delighted to use his service this week. His educated conversations with the young competitors, parents and curious club members left everyone feeling enlightened and more confident in their rackets.
Hopefully, we get to do it all again in 2026 and once again we must give huge thanks to Fetherstons for sponsoring this tournament, making it even possible to run in the first place. Michael Lowther provided the professional photos you see above and he should be involved in more tennis tournaments with us as the year progresses - cheers Mick.
The final thanks is to all the players, coaches and parents who traveled from far and wide to turn the Belfast Boat Club into a tennis Mecca of achievement for one week. You’re all most welcome to return at any time to see us
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Great pics and report. Well done for a superb tournament.
Just one day to go in the Fetherstons Tennis Europe Belfast U14 tournament which we are hosting for the third time, and the standard of tennis seems as high as ever.
Local interest will focus on the skilful and precise Aryia, who contests the girls’ singles final against Adwita, she of the sumptuous one handed backhand. All being well the weather will hold to allow a Friday 9am showcase of 12 year old tennis talent.
The boys final pits France against Poland with Timo facing off against Janek. Both boys possess power and touch, with great athleticism too, and the final should be a cracker.
With doubles finals to follow the singles, all we need is the Easter bunny to give us the gift of 4 hours without rain.
🐣
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It’s been a super couple of days at the Fetherstons Tennis Europe Belfast U14 tournament on our eight clay courts.
We have welcomed visitors from all over Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe as 32 boys and 32 girls do battle to lift the singles and doubles crowns.
Our boys’ defending champion and number 1 seed is progressing nicely, but the girls’ top seed was defeated today in a fantastic match.
Tomorrow is set to be a wet one but hopefully we can get all the quarter-final matches played with play due to begin at 12pm on Wednesday.
All being well, both the singles finals will start from 10am on Friday with semifinals on Thursday.
So we do welcome members and guests alike to pop down and watch some fabulous play from some young, up and coming stars of tomorrow.
Information on the draws and results can be found on the Tennis Europe website.
🎾😎
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Our 9 week Winter League came to an incredible conclusion last week with many teams adopting the guise of their named team. The theme was ‘mononyms’ so names like Donald, Cher, Gaga and Houdini became inspirations for attire of all kinds.
There were insufficient problems to stop “Jay-Z” and it was they who lifted the acclaimed League Trophy, led by team captain David Wiggins. 🏆
Thank you to all the volunteers who have collected scores and got people on to the correct courts over the last three months.
Thanks also to Damian and Laura, who presented the prizes and the trophy on the final night. Particular thanks goes to Laura, our subs manager, but special praise has to go to Fiona who is the heartbeat and spreadsheet of the whole ensemble. The league could not function as it does without you!
Most importantly thank you to all of our members. Turning up each week at the correct time, to the correct court and enjoying the craic, the league has become the epicentre of social tennis, so thank you so much in helping the league to run as smoothly as possible.
Our next edition starts on Thursday 1st May with the Summer Internal League, which sold out in 15 minutes last night.
Let the good time roll 🎾😎
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And that us just one example of why I love our Club 🎾😂💃🥂
Congratulations!!!!🙌
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