Lily Robinson – Freelance reporter, writing coordinator Summer Tennis and Writing Program
June 15, 2023
Clark Jean-Baptiste and David Ou were victors of the inaugural Round Robin Charity Tennis Tournament, Saturday. The pair battled their way back from a shaky start to best nine teams in the event’s advanced division. The tournament brought together a diverse crowd of competitors and raised $3,000 to support youth tennis and literacy.
The tournament was hosted by Coach Drew Tennis at the Tufts University South Tennis Courts on June 10. It attracted 36 competitors, from high schoolers to master’s players, who faced off to support the Summer Tennis and Writing Scholarship Fund, which allows Somerville and Medford youth to attend Coach Drew Tennis and Writing Camp tuition free. Competitors vied for first and second place titles in the tournament’s intermediate and advanced division.
“I was thrilled with the event,” said Drew Hendrickson, founder and director of Coach Drew Tennis, a Somerville-based program offering tennis lessons for youth and adults. “The tennis was really really good. We had lots of laughs, too, so it was a fun event.” He thanked Tufts University for allowing the program to use its facility.
Teams brought a rivalrous but lighthearted energy to the courts, livening the mood of an overcast morning. Players laughed and exchanged quips between points, but once the ball was in play, they locked into the game. Mid-way through the day as the scoreboard began to hint at which pairs had a shot at the championship, a player dove across the court, drawing an explosive reaction from spectators lining the fence.
Many players were impressed by their rivals. Early on, the tournament’s champions were feeling beaten down. Jean-Baptiste is an animated player whose game is styled with flourishes, jumps, and exclamations, but despite the show he and Ou put on in their second match, the pair suffered a 4-2 loss. Jean-Baptiste smiled and shook his head, “they looked like dancing partners out there!” He said about his opponents. The sheen of sweat on his forehead was testament that he played hard. “It’s not the US Open. There’s not a million dollars on the line,” he said. “I just want everyone to have fun.”
There was also a strong sense of camaraderie on the courts. Competitors congratulated their opponents on great plays, shook hands over the net, and cheered on other teams between their own matches. When the sun broke through the clouds later in the morning a player handed sunglasses across the net to an opponent squinting into the sun. Most players said they were there to have fun and support the Summer Tennis and Writing Program.
For the final match of the day, Jean-Baptiste and Ou faced Mike Morgan and Veid Patel in the advanced division championship. Morgan and Patel had a shaky start, falling behind early, but the pair fought their way back in the second half. Crowds lined the court, clutching the fence in suspense as the match came down to a tie breaker.
In the intermediate championship, rookies Matt Thayer and Leo Evriviades bested Lucie Gulino and Marinda Horan to take home gold. Thayer and Evriviades were playing their first tournament and followed an underdog’s path to the finals as they improved their game throughout the day. On the podium the pair reveled in their inaugural win, drinking beer from the championship cups.
Drew noted a strong showing on the podium from Somerville High School. Both Ou and Patel are graduating seniors, who played for the school under coach Mike Morgan.
Somerville-area tennis players can stay tuned for another tournament later this summer. Drew said there is no official date for a follow-up event, but that he is hoping to host a similar fundraiser soon.
Coach Drew’s Summer Tennis and Writing Program is held in Somerville’s Foss Park and runs from 9am-12pm, Monday-Friday. Folks can sign up for one-week sessions, which begin June 26th and run through August 25th. The program also accepts donations from individuals and businesses. It is in the process of becoming a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Until then, all donations are received by a fiscal sponsor, making them tax deductible.
COACH DREW TENNIS 