2021 United States Professional Singles Playing for the Schochet Cup Recap

Moving from its usual home in early June to October 9th-16th, the US Professional singles playing for the Schochet Cup was a welcome return to the calendar.

Hopes for a full draw were dashed on the 10th of September when the IWCC removed the World ranking and race points from the tournament due to covid restrictions and cost of travel. With that disappointing decision, the US Professional singles would be an all-domestic affair.

The fear with a diminished field was that the overall quality of play would suffer, but not so! As with so many things, the absence of a product or an experience only strengthens the resolve to attain or pursue with even greater vigor, and court tennis professionals were not immune to this phenomenon. This turn of events seemed to trigger a renewed passion for the game and commitment to excellence.

Presenting sponsor Northfield Information Systems, Inc.’s feature match was between Barney Tanfield and Conor Medlow and it turned out to be one of the best matches of the tournament!

Conor took an initial a 5-3 lead, but Barney’s resolve was not broken, so with great skill he edged his way back to 5-all with a persistent and controlled attacking play. The 5-all game was no different with Barney keeping up the pressure to take the final game of the set.

The loss of the 1st set seemed to unnerve Conor and he retreated into himself, becoming cagier and more willing to try and soak his opponent’s attack. Barney again took the set 6-4 to lead two sets to love.

Now Conor needed to dig in, and that’s just what he did, cutting out errors and making Barney work hard in each point. 6-2 came the 3rd set, and then the 4th 6-2. Tied at 2-sets apiece would Barney have enough in the tank to put up a fight? The fifth set was close all the way to 4-all with both players keeping their nerve.

Conor just managed to get his nose in front, with Barney now visibly tired at this point. Conor narrowly took the 9th game, and then the 10th, pipping Barney to the post 6-4 in the fifth set in an epic encounter enjoyed by a packed galley of sponsors and guests.

After a series of incredible matches in the tournament, John Lumley, the meteorically improving assistant professional out of Philadelphia, emerged as one finalist versus the already 10-time US Professional Singles Champion, and No. 1 in the world, Camden Riviere. The two are friends, and as practice partners, have elevated each other’s games over the last year.

Both players did not drop a set on the way to the final; Lumley beating both Steve Virgona and James Stout sufficiently well for both to run out of ideas in the 3rd set, each losing it 6-0. Camden’s route to the final was similar, dispatching his opposition clinically; that is not to say his opponents did not play excellent tennis. For example, Leon Smart is playing his best tennis ever, has improved all aspects of his game, and proved he is destined to be a top-five player in the world.

Right from the start, the rallies were full of quality shots and uncanny reads, with Camden showing a little more patience and control, just edging John out time after time. Although each rally and each game were close, Camden took the first 6-0.

In the second, John shook off his nerves and started playing more aggressively. John took the set with Camden looking a little winded and disgruntled. This sublime play by John was outstanding and only time would tell if it would be sustainable.

Camden drew on his experience and formulated a slight change in tactics opting for a fast rail-road to contrast with his higher and slower serves. This was enough to upset John’s game, probably pushing him a little too close in his winner to error ratio. Camden edged in front of each rally, and in turn each game, and ultimately each set, closing out the match 6-0, 2-6, 6-2, 6-0…and winning an impressive 11th straight championship.

Special thanks go to the following, without whom we would be unable to execute such a high-caliber tournament:

• International Tennis Hall of Fame for hosting the event;

• Founding sponsor, the Schochet family, in concert with United States Preservation Foundation;

• Suzette Schochet for an added personal donation;

• Presenting Sponsor Northfield Information Services, Inc.;

• United States Court Tennis Association, USCTA paddle raise, and Lot 12.

There was also a terrific amount of sponsorship from the National Tennis Club with nearly 30 members giving at all different levels to support a very handsome professional appearance fee and purse along with housing and help with the social functions.