USA, Canada serve up tennis doubles play
After a one-year hiatus, squads representing the United States and Canada recently renewed their friendly tennis rivalry on the courts at the Pompano Beach Tennis Center.
The fifth-annual event went to Team Canada, bolstered by a dominating performance by the men. The final overall score of 167-150 gave the Canadians a 3-2 lead in the series that dates back to 2011. Each teamfielded a squad of26players in the all-doubles tournament featuring men vs. men and women vs. women.
Tennis Director Eddie Sposawas thrilled to see the tournament start up again. Pompano Beach tennis proDorothyZerbstputtogether the USA team, while Lefebvre was responsible for the Canadian squad.
“Last year we were very busy getting our courts fixed up so we took off a year, but I spoke to Yvon (Lefebvre) a few monthsago and he was all for putting this back on again,” Sposa said. “With a total of 52 players, this is our biggest turnout yet.”
He likes the fact that each year’s competition brings out many newcomers.
“There are new faces and new friends, everyone likes this because it is a friendly competition,” Sposa said. “With all of our 16 clay courts now renovated with the hydro court system, it has been a big advantage for our players. Our Canadian team has bragging rights for the year.”
The Team USA women rose to the occasion with a commanding 106-57victory, butitwasnotenough to offset the Canadian men’s 110-44 triumph over their American opponents that sealed the outcome.
Sposa came up with the USA vs. Canada idea as a way to build harmony among the American and Canadian netters who are in the area during what iscommonlyknownas the “snowbird” season. It is also a chance for the Canadian visitors to get in some fun competition before making the trek back home for the summer.
Sposa and his tournament with competition. staff set up the three rounds of
Yves Deschamps and Canadian men’s team captain Yvon Lefebvre displayed their strong play with solid serves and persistent attacks that led to the impressive showing. Meanwhile, the USAwomen’s contingent was sparked by the doubles team of Kerri Lynn Kenyon and Chris Gerbracht, whose front court pressure and all-around aggressiveness paved theway..
Patty Morris was a member of the USA women’s team. The Pompano Beach residentwas glad to see the tournament series renewed.
“First of all, we congratulate the Canadians and I think itwas a great turnout on both sides and it was a lot of fun with good sportsmanship,” Morris said. “Winning is not everything, but it sure is a heck of a lot of fun. “
Morris joked that there’s going to be some extra practice sessions mandated for the American men during the off-season.
“Our women did great, but with the USA men...we’re going to have to get them out there and do some drills and take some lessons to spruceuptheirgame,” she said with a smile. “It was awesome to see the tournament revived and we love our Canadian friends, who are such great sports.”