IRTPA

Camden Riviere will be defending his title at The National Tennis Club at The International Tennis Hall of Fame Challenge Days will be 23rd, 25th and 27th September 2025  

Have you ever wondered how often players have competed against each other?  Or what is the head 2 head of players? The answers to all of this is now available in the new section. Under the top menu bar go to and scroll down to ‘Player Head to Head’,...

Adam Phillips 30th July 1968 – 19th June 2024 A celebration of his life is being held on Thursday 18th July. His daughter, Lillian, has asked for this notice to be circulated to all those who knew their father Adam.

Adam was a real tennis professional through and through, he knew how to talk to members and discuss their game in detail; on and off the court a true gentleman; for those of us who came up against Adam on court, you could be sure of finding Adam showing...

Below is a notification from the USCTA on their National Fund. Professionals outside of the United States do not get the same sort of support from their National Associations and a way must be found to rectify this. The IRTPA has been asking at the highest level of the...

They were the defending their World Championship and they retained the title in Chicago What an event it was, spectacular tennis showcasing the top 4 pairs from the past two years.  It was always expected that Chicago would put on a “good show”, it most certainly was one and...

Wednesday 24th April through to Sunday 28th April The Racquet Club of Chicago 1365 North Dearborn Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60610 Tim Chisholm & Camden Riviere -v- John Lumley & Steve Virgona The score stands after the first day of play with honours divided 2 sets apiece.  The set scores...

Wednesday 24th April through to Sunday 28th April The Racquet Club of Chicago 1365 North Dearborn Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60610 The finalists will be the defending champions Tim Chisholm and Camden Riviere against the number 3 seeded pair of John Lumley and Steve Virgona.  The first 4 sets will...

What a ‘corker’ of a day yesterday.  A buffer hour had been worked into the schedule – it was just as well as the first rubber finished with 5 minutes before the schedule time of the second rubber. The MVP after the first day is: The matches today, Thursday,...

    The Draft for the Super League, being held at The Queen’s Club from 10th April – 13th April has been completed   The Captain’s have made their choices and the teams are:   The schedule for Wednesday – Friday is:          

The World Championship Doubles, like the World Championship Singles challenge is a biennial event and has until now happened in uneven years. Due to the pandemic the original scheduled date in 2021 was postponed and the event is now being held from the 29th June – 3rd July 2022...

Camden came out of the blocks pretty fast on this last day.  He wanted the Challenge “done and dusted” and to win those two sets straight up to retain his title. Both sets were close, the first going 6/5 to Camden.  Both players had numerous set points.  The second...

The most extraordinary turn around happened tonight.  After the first four sets on day one with Camden Riviere winning the four sets many thought the challenge could be completed on the second day.  How wrong they were. The score on the second day had John Lumley winning 3/1.  The...

The 1st day of the 2023 World Challenge has not disappointed.  The Westwood Country Club is simply spectacular, the world championship committee headed up by John Motz, have thought of everything and then there was the tennis. The score is standing at 4/0 to the world champion, Camden Riviere,...

Streaming of the 2023 Challenge between the World Champion, Camden Riviere and his Challenger, John Lumley, will be available to watch on the USCTA’s YouTube Channel Day 1: Sunday 17th September America 14:00EST, United Kingdom 19:00BST, France 20:00CET Australia 04:00AEST + 1 day, Day 2: Tuesday 19th September America...

Lumley was brutal in his dominance of the second day’s play.  Howell had to come out of the blocks quickly as he had to win 2 sets to take the eliminator to a final day of play.   The first two sets were over quickly with Lumley winning 6/0...

What a match this eliminator was.  The winner was Nick Howell who won 6/5 5/6 6/5 6/1 2/6 6/4 6/4. After the first day of play Nick Howell was leading by 3/1 sets, The final eliminator is between John Lumley and Nick Howell.  We will know on April 11th...

A great battle for the first 4 sets played in Aiken tonight between Aiken’s head professional Nicky Howell and Bristol’s head professional Ben Taylor-Matthews.  Howell leads by 3/1.  The set scores were 6/5 5/6 6/5 6/1. The remaining 5 sets or until a player has reached a total of...

  John Lumley playing in his first world championship eliminator process wins the best of 9 set match against Chris Chapman.  After the first day’s play Lumley led 3/1. A further 3 sets were played for Lumley to win the necessary 5 sets.  It was a great win for...

  The World Singles Challenge 2023  On behalf of the International World Championship Committee (IWCC) the IRTPA Executive are delighted to announce their acceptance of the bid from the Westwood Country Club in Washington, DC. The dates of the challenge matches are Sunday 17th, Tuesday 19th and Thursday 21st...

It is likely to be the last time we see these two great players opposing each other in Singles.   It was an unbelievable effort from two players who have hardly stopped competitive tennis since the world challenge in September.   Camden gets married in a couple of weeks....

The British Open is nearly concluded for the 2022 event. The singles final is tonight, 21st November, between the world champion, Camden Riviere and the GOAT, Rob Fahey.  The match starts at 18:00 GMT.   The doubles final is at the same time, tomorrow, 22nd November between Camden Riviere...

1st January 1965 – 27th September 2022 The association has received the sad news of Mike’s death.   Not only was he one of the top players, winning three Opens during the ’90’s he was also one of the top doubles players of his era. An obituary is being written...

Words cannot describe the tennis we have seen on the three match days but Jim Zug has been able to compile his third day’s report because of the highest quality streaming provided by Ryan Carey as he watched from America.  Great report but I think there are going to...

It has been an extraordinary challenge so far and the tennis at a level never seen before. Jim Zug’s report of the play is here The third day’s play is on Thursday 15th at 14:00 BST Don’t miss these two incredible players – it will be the last time...

    The IRTPA wish to convey their deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to members of The Royal Family on the sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen

      This site now has a new section called ‘Coaching Videos‘ and is accessed from the top drop down menu: Our thanks to RT42.org for giving us permission to use their content on this site.

The world rankings run over a 3 year period.  Because of the pandemic there were no ranking events from the conclusion of the U.S. Open 2020 until the British Open 2021. During the three year period points diminish on each annual anniversary date of that tournament’s conclusion: First year:...

It is with great sadness that the family of Jacques A. P. Faulise of North Kingstown, RI, announce his passing on January 25, 2022. He was 70 years old. Born in Pawcatuck, CT, Jacques attended West Palm Beach Junior High School (FL) before he returned to his native Connecticut...

Unless the decision to close the real tennis court at Middlesex taken in early December by the University, the court will close in 4 years. A petition has been set up using change.org  It is now 12:15 on Tuesday 4th January and 1,757 people have signed the petition.  If...

The entry form for this year’s event is only available on-line  The draw closes on Wednesday 20th October at 10am BST  The draw will be held at The Queen’s Club on Thursday 21st October at 2pm.

POSITION VACANCY – ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL, HOBART REAL TENNIS CLUB The Hobart Real Tennis Club is a world-renowned sports club located in the centre of Hobart. One of only three Real Tennis Clubs in Australia, the club offers members the chance to play the oldest racquet sport in the world;...

Following the tsunami of the pandemic last season on events it had been hoped that calmer waters would occur in 2021. Sadly, news was received today that the French Open has been cancelled in September joining The Champions Trophy, and the World Doubles has been postponed until 2022. The...

The International World Championship Committee (IWCC) met and unanimously agreed the 2020 World Challenge will now be held over until September 2022 with the challenger remaining as Camden Riviere.  We have the full support of all sponsors, associated third parties, the 2020 World Championship Committee and the Prested Tennis Club...

As the news just breaks that London as from Wednesday 16th December moves into Tier 3 restrictions it may seem odd timing to be announcing the ‘flex-i-schedule’ for 2021 but surely this pandemic cannot last for ever?! The IRTPA has been working with the national associations to formulate a...

Covid-19 Guidelines to play – (subject to change)   All players, including visiting players, should familiarise themselves with the most current rules of play at the host club, and confirm with the host club that they understand and will adhere to them. If these rules of play are not...

With the continued uncertainty surrounding the restrictions of holding an event as large as the challenge; global travel restrictions, restricted spectator levels, health and safety amongst the players and spectators alike the International World Championship Committee (IWCC) have reconvened and are calling once again for a postponement until 2021....

Who in our real tennis community can sing?  This is your opportunity!   

      As a peripatetic player I can, perhaps, appreciate more than most the role, time and effort our professionals dedicate to their clubs and the members as well as the values they uphold. The fact that so many often consider their profession as a way of life...

Nick Wood, Head Professional at The Royal Tennis Court has just announced the following: Given the current difficult circumstances the world finds itself, we all have to take stock of how COVID 19 is effecting all. This is true for Historic Royal Palaces also, who have been in long...

There was no stopping Camden Riviere on his home court from taking a 4/0 set lead on the 1st day of play.  The score was 6/3 6/0 6/1 6/5 The second match day saw Camden Riviere winning the necessary 7 sets to make him Rob Fahey’s Challenger at Prested...

     Oratory Real Tennis Club World Championship Eliminator Camden Riviere v Nick Howell  Monday 27th & Wednesday 29th January Matches commence at 7pm   Oratory Real Tennis Club is delighted to announce that tickets are now available.  This is a great opportunity to see real tennis at its finest...

    The official programme for the World Challenge 2020 can be read below which gives the schedule of what is happening during the packed week         To book your tickets for the matches and other events please click the image  below.  This takes you to...

The world race concluded after the final ranking tournament of the last two year period with the completion of the British Open. The four players who are eligible to play off for the right to challenge Rob Fahey in April 2020 are: Camden Riviere ranked 1  Chris Chapman ranked...

The stream is on Wellington Real Tennis Club’s YouTube page

  Is this the beginning of real tennis being covered?    

    The Royal Tennis Court (RTC) situated at Hampton Court Palace (HCP) is a vibrant and historic real tennis club committed to the advancement of the game. The club has over 450 members, an energetic and forward thinking Board of Directors and a dedicated team of professionals led...

In Her Majesty’s 2019 birthday honours Rob Fahey has been awarded the Order of Australia      Robert L Fahey, MBE, AOM The IRTPA congratulate Rob on his achievements in tennis and for the recognition he so richly deserves.

Sign up to keep up-to-date with the latest information as it is released. Please follow this link, by clicking HERE in order to receive the regular updates

We are delighted to announce that the 2020 Challenge will be held during the week commencing 19th April at Prested Hall Tennis Club. As details of the week are fully formalised all information on ticketing and social events will be available here. Prested Hall Tennis Club’s first promotional video...

  How to bid for the final eliminator can be downloaded here There have been changes made due to feedback from clubs who have been interested in the past.  The main change is a club has an option to place a bid which will only stand if the player...

  Donations are made via GoFundMe It is simple to do and will only take a few minutes of your time

20th September 1976 – 8th January 2019 Age 42 Early Life   Born in Tasmaniato Elizabeth and the late Christopher Eden, he grew up with his older brother Andrew. Educated at Mt Carmel and St Peters Primary schools and St Virgils College, he graduated with an Arts degree from...

The team at the Royal Tennis Court and HRP have achieved great coverage  for this year’s Real Tennis Champions Trophy by way of  social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and live streaming, this coverage is one of the objectives the event hopes to achieve year in year out to help...

The 2018 Challenge is Camden Riviere’s first defence of his title which he won by defeating Rob Fahey, the holder of the title for 22 years in Newport, Rhode Island in 2016. The world challenge started on Tuesday 24th April with 4 sets played of a possible 13 sets.  At...

The 1st leg was won by Rob Fahey in four sets.  Steve Virgona now has to win both of the legs at Prested.  The score was 4/6 6/4 6/3 6/1

Tennis of the highest order was seen on the first day’s play. It was a match of intensity and committed tennis from both players.  Rob Fahey leads by sets 3/1.  The 4th set played could have gone either way, but it was Fahey who won it.  The set scores...

Streaming for this event can be seen by following this link

Thursday 8th February and Saturday 10th February The match times are: Thursday:  18:30 GMT Saturday:  15:30 GMT Streaming of the matches can be seen by following this link  

   1st round eliminator tickets available now Friday 9th February and Sunday 11th February Match Times:  Friday 18:00 Sunday 16:00 Tickets can be purchased by completing the form and returning by email or post as indicated on the form

1st round eliminator tickets available now to buy Thursday 8th February and Saturday 10th February 2018 Match times: Thursday 18:30 Saturday 15:30   Tickets can be bought either for Day 1, for Day 2, or a Combi ticket that combines both days for a discount. Dedans front row (with...

The dates are now confirmed for these two events.  As soon as information on how to apply for tickets becomes available it will be published on this site. Steve Virgona – v – Chris Chapman Thursday 8th and Saturday 10th February At RTC Robert Fahey – v – Bryn...

Bizarre happenings! Friday saw the day of the semi-finals at the AppsPlus IRTPA Championships.  The first match up was Camden Riviere and Ben Matthews and for two sets Matthews pushed Riviere into play some outstanding tennis.  These sets were won by Riviere 6/3 6/4.  Riviere then raised his game...

They did the unthinkable, but maybe they never had any doubts, Chisholm and Riviere retained their title and won all 5 sets today in the most impressive display of doubles play I have been privileged to see.  For Fahey and Smith it is the tough end of sport and...

Congratulations from all of Rob’s fellow professionals on his being awarded the MBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours List.  

This new and exciting magazine is now available by subscription.  The Mission Statement from Bob Rulli, the Publisher and Chief Content Officer says “Our goal is to contribute towards the growth and promotion of our great game internationally for amateur and professionals, juniors, seniors and women. Each issue will...

The 2016 Neptune British Open singles is the strongest field of any event in recent times. The top 10 world ranked players, plus the 11th, 12th and 13th ranked players 1          Camden Riviere 2          Rob Fahey 3          Steve Virgona 4          Bryn Sayers 5          Tim Chisholm 6          Ben Taylor-Matthews 7         ...

Details of how to bid for the 2018 World Championship can be read by clicking the image below.  Bids for being the host club in 2018 should be with the IRTPA by the 27th February 2017.  The world championships enters a new era with the new champion, Camden Riviere, defending...

There are now three videos on a permanent link which can be found under ‘Tournaments’ in the top menu bar.  More videos will follow in September.  The current videos are : World Challenge Melbourne 2014 World Challenge Newport 2016 of Camden Rivere World Challenge Newport 2016 of Rob Fahey...

Camden Riviere first played this sport as a child in Aiken and he has just been honoured by the town for his massive achievement on becoming the world’s 25th holder of the World Championship. Below is an extract of his play during the challenge match at Newport and the...

Andrew Lyons is leaving the Queen’s Club where he has worked for the past 25 years. As CEO of the IRTPA I have worked with ‘Drew’ especially since 2004 when he has been the marker of the world championship challenges.  He is one of the most professional of professionals...

The IRTPA UK Professional doubles is being held at Prested Hall July 8th – 11th. It is hugely exciting to have this tournament back on the calendar and the UK’s top professionals will be gracing the court to battle it out for the title.  This tournament was last run...

  This is the tournament loved by all the players, it attracts the elite players, plus the young up and coming players of the future by running two tournaments.  The format is the same as the IRTPA Championships held in the UK with the main event comprising the top...

Camden Riviere is the new world champion The result of the long anticipated challenge is now known and with the amazing broadcast of the tennis through the week you can now see replays of how it all unfolded.  He defeated Rob Fahey over three days 7/2.  It was awesome tennis,...

The first 4 sets of the best of 13 set challenge were played on Tuesday 17th May. For those who were unable to be present but had access to the internet, there was streaming of this being broadcast at the highest level currently obtainable.  It was just as well it...

Proposed alterations to Dublin Court building would likely prevent it being used for tennis ever again. Needless to say this would be a disaster not only for our Irish friends but the whole Real Tennis community. Please help prevent this happening by following the instructions below. Urgent: Planning Application...

Steve Virgona playing on his home court of Chicago defeated Tim Chisholm in the second leg of this best of three 5 set matches 6/2 6/5 6/4.  In the first leg on Chisholm’s home court, Tuxedo, Virgona won 6/4, 6/2, 0/6, 5/6, 6/4. Camden Riviere and Steve Virgona play in...

The dates are all set, the pressure is on for those playing in the eliminators and the world champion, Robert Fahey, defending his title for the twelfth time, waits in the challenge round to take on, as yet, an unknown opponent. The First Eliminator is between Steve Virgona and Tim Chisholm....

Claire Fahey today won the Australian Open Singles defeating Penny Lumley 6/0 6/0. This was followed by her husband, Rob Fahey winning his 14th Australian Open Title bringing his Open single wins to 48 defeating Ben Taylor-Mathews 6/4 6/2 6/1.

Three players have entered the eliminator process.  In order of their ranking in the World Race Points following the 2015 British Open they are: Camden Riviere Steve Virgona Tim Chisholm Camden now receives a bye to the final eliminator.  The matches between Tim and Steve are: Saturday March 12th...

Head Professional, Wellington Real Tennis Club   Wellington College offers a unique opportunity for a Real Tennis Professional to lead the establishment of a brand new Real Tennis Club on its campus in Berkshire. With the generous support of donors, the College is building a new facility to deliver...

There are four world ranking tournaments before the World Race for the 2016 Challenge concludes: The French Open, Paris, 21st – 28th September.  The entries for this event close on the 7th September The European Open, MCC, 12th – 16th October.  The draw can be viewed here The IRTPA Championships,...

  This competition started in 2001 and was played at what was then called The Burroughs Club, Peter Luck-Hille’s wonderful millennium court in London.  The inaugural winners were Tim Chisholm and Julian Snow.  Since then Tim has been the finalist on three occasions; 2003 playing with Josh Bainton, 2007...

  I know that you probably receive lots of mail etc asking for donations for a variety of charities but THIS is an amazing place and I would really like your help and support  even if you are unable to donate directly to this fund raising day for Thomley. Any help you can give...

The IRTPA Premier Division National League Final At Holyport Real Tennis Club starting at 17:30 World Champions Rob and Claire Fahey representing Holyport Real Tennis Club against The Royal Tennis Court’s team of Chris Chapman and Darren Long. Holyport are undefeated this season 8 wins from 8 rubbers; will they...

Camden Riviere defeated Rob Fahey in the US Open Final 6/0 6/1 4/6 6/3.  His tournament statistics are compelling as were Rob Fahey’s until Riviere became the dominant player.  He now only has to win the remaining two Open events this year and he will have his first grand slam;...

Camden Riviere has made another ‘first’ for himself in winning this year’s Australian Open Singles title today in Melbourne.  He defeated Chris Chapman 6/1 6/2 6/2 and has now achieved the grand slam, although not in a calendar year.  However, this remarkable player has that ‘unbeatable aura’ surrounding him...

It may not have been clear to the audience present at RMTC or to those following on line the events which led to the postponement of the third day of play. Below is a summary of events: This morning, Saturday 10th May after a night of high humidity and...

Chicago 18th – 22nd March The contestants are now known following the first round of eliminators Steve Virgona defeated Bryn Sayers matches 2/1.  The scores were: 1st Leg Steve Virgona 6/4 6/3 6/3 2nd Leg Bryn Sayers 2/6 3/6 6/4 6/1 6/5 3rd Leg Steve Virgona 5/6 6/4 6/1 6/3...

This eliminator goes down to the wire.  Sayers wins 6/5 in the 5th. The club was packed, around 110 spectators and the noise was deafening, the ‘buzz’ of anticipation pervaded amongst those present.  The majority of whom were for their ‘man’ Steve Virgona.  Of course, it was the same...

Full information on ticketing and social events is now available Register your ticket preferences now for the big event at The Royal Melbourne Tennis Club 5th – 10th May,match days are the 6th, 8th and 10th by going to this link.  The RMTC also have a new web site,...

After months of battling the final is here!  Sadly we lost Chris Chapman along the way to injury, but wish him a speedy recovery.  Tom Durack filled in for one fixture and Conor Medlow in for the other two.  Prested, Leamington, Moreton Morrell and Hatfield House have been treated...

Ricardo Smith starts his new position as Senior Professional of Newport Rhode Island as of the new year.  Ricardo who learnt the game at Prested Hall, has been a professional there for over 10 years.  He has been instrumental at Prested, setting up a fantastic club base and renown...

Why, Where & How? BACKGROUND In an effort to grow, develop and promote the game of court tennis, a group of people have put together a plan to build a court in Charleston, SC on Daniel Island. It has been in the planning and development stage for two years...

THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2014 Supported by Link Pumps                   The Royal Melbourne Tennis Club Melbourne Australia 5-10 May 2014 Preliminary Information for Visitors The Royal Melbourne Tennis Club looks forward to welcoming you to Melbourne in May 2014 for the World...

Holyport Real Tennis Club Professional Required There is a vacancy for a Professional at the Holyport Real Tennis Club to start as soon as possible after the 1st September. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wishes to enhance their management skills working in a Professional team under the guidance and...

If this event was not on your radar, it is over!  The British Challenge final is played over the best of 13 sets and what a final it was. A quick reminder on the overall format of this new tournament.  The best 8 players are eligible if they are British...

Assistant Professional at Moreton Morrell Tennis Court Club There is a vacancy for an assistant professional at Moreton Morrell Tennis Court Club to start at any time after  1 September 2013. The club is looking for someone with the CPD level 1 certification, (or the earlier Basic Certificate) who...

Ricardo Smith was in his element today and could hardly do anything wrong.  The play was always “full throttle” and I think Bryn Sayers was a little taken aback by the way Ricardo started playing and could not find an answer.  Ricardo has played very few tournaments in the...

The Association is delighted to announce PlayBrave’s appointment as our Official Clothing Partner     PlayBrave is a British company and their garments are ideally suited to Real Tennis. They combine freedom of movement, lightness and insulation – and their brand philosophy is spot on for the Real Tennis...