Market Harborough Leisure Centre played host to the Tie Break Tens event on Sunday 24th February.
The event, the first of its kind in Market Harborough was aimed at junior tennis players aged 11 and above as a way of increasing participation within the sport.
Launched as a tennis format in 2015, Tie Break Tens is a quick-fire version of the sport that anyone can play. Unlike conventional tennis, Tie Break Tens matches are comprised solely of tie breaks – no games, no sets, just exhilarating ten-point breakers in which every point counts. With the launch of TB10 Play Tie Break Tens are hoping to inspire a new generation of tennis players to pick up a racket and play the game in a fast, easy to understand and exciting way.
The tournament involved juniors who are involved in the junior tennis coaching programme at the leisure centre which is run by Phil Harris, Head Coach of Market Harborough Tennis Club. “The Tie Break Tens event is a really good way for young people to be introduced into competitive matches in a fun and informal way. Because the matches are quick, it means that more children can take part and they can play more matches in an afternoon than through the traditional two or three set matches.” he said.
The boys final saw Nathan Green defeat Fin Smith 11-9 in a closely fought battle. “This is the first time I have taken part in an event which isn’t the usual format of sets up to 6 games.” said Nathan. “It was an event I had been looking forward to, as I wanted to see how the different format would work and I have really enjoyed it. It was good to be able to play against lots of other juniors in the same event. I would definitely enter another event like this.”
In the girls event Rebecca Price beat her sister Amelia to win the event. “It was a really unique event that I have never done before which was enjoyable.” said Rebecca. “As part of the event a signed Serena Williams t-shirt is being given to the junior who has included the best social media post. I made sure I used Instagram and Twitter so that I have a chance of winning such a great prize.”
