Following Emma Raducanu’s stunning achievement at the US Open, Rye Lawn Tennis Club celebrating her inspiring performance by holding an Open Afternoon for all at the club on Sunday, September 19 between 1pm and 5pm.
The club’s three tennis coaches – Frances Candy, Suzy Larkin and Richard Pratt – will be available to organise and coach players on all eight grass courts, still playing beautifully, or on one of the three hard courts if you prefer, there are two astros – artificial grass – and one artificial clay. Existing club members will also be available to show guests around the club and make up numbers if needed on court.
There is also an opportunity to learn about and play padel – a racquet sport originally invented in Mexico. Padel is typically played with four players on an enclosed court just over a third of the size of a tennis court. Scoring is the same as tennis and the balls used are similar but with a little less pressure. It’s a sport which most people find much easier than tennis to pick up and enjoy. The club currently has one padel court but, due to popularity, will be building a second court in the near future.
All ages from small children to adult, and all abilities from complete novice to expert are welcome. And well-behaved dogs can come. Rackets for tennis and padel will be available to borrow and tennis balls will of course be provided. There is no need for any formal tennis clothing, but trainers or other suitable footwear is advised.
The event is entirely free, other than any drinks you choose to buy from the bar. It would help us if you could drop a line to the club at info@ryetennisandsquashclub.org.uk to let us know you’ll be coming, but if you can’t do this, please just turn up, you will be made very welcome. You will find the club at 115 Military Road, Rye, TN31 7NY.
Image Credits: Simon Kershaw , Rye News library , John Minter , Sarah Nelson .