ORATORY School pair Archie Watson and Max Schuetz claimed a significant victory in the National Under 18s Real Tennis Doubles Championships at The Queen’s Club in London.
Competing against some of the country’s strongest junior players, the duo progressed confidently with a solid performance in their quarter-final to reach the last four.
Their semi-final match against Radley College 2 was a composed display with Watson controlling the back of the court effectively, while Scheutz’s sharp volleying in the galleries provided a strong attacking edge.
Their complementary styles gave them a well-rounded approach and a convincing 6/3 6/1 success.
The final, against Radley College’s first pair, was a closely contested battle. The Oratory edged the first set 6/4 and built a strong 5-3 lead in the second, only for Radley to fight back well, levelling the set at 5-5 to force a tense deciding game.
At this crucial moment, though, The Oratory pair held their nerve, playing some of their best tennis to close out the set and secure the championship.
Claire Fahey, Head of Racquets at The Oratory and the reigning Ladies’ World Champion, said, “This was an outstanding performance from the boys. It is the first time the school has won this title, and I am very proud of their achievement. It was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to play at such a prestigious venue and to win the competition was just reward for their standard of play”.
For Watson, this win adds to his previous success at the U16 National Doubles. Later this term, he will look to defend the French Open U19 title he won last year at Fontainebleau Palace.
Real Tennis is one of the oldest games in the world and The Oratory is one of only four schools in the country with a court. Real Tennis is available for students, parents and members of the public to play at The Oratory. For more information, contact pros@ortc.uk.
