The 2014 World Challenge
Published on: May 12, 2014
This 2014 Challenge was always going to be a historic and there would have been many people around the world thinking this surely would be Fahey’s last defence of his title; surely with the irresistible form shown by Riviere over the past two years, with the 20 year age difference, (Fahey 46, Riviere 26) at the completion of the event there would be the celebration of a most incredible world champion who had always said “I will lose the title on court” and the crowning of a new world champion.
The first set was ominous for the Fahey supporters, he lost it 6/0. He lost the second set 6/5 but from then on things were picking up for Fahey. At the end of the 1st day’s 4 sets the score was 2/2. The level of tennis was simply magnificent, the play electric and this level of play continued into Day 2 with another 4 sets played. The intensity on court and the excitement from the packed Royal Melbourne Club was indescribable, the play, the spectators, the nose, it was unparalleled . At the end of the second day Fahey was in control. He won 3 of the 4 sets and now had a lead over Riviere.
The 3rd day of play was scheduled for May 10th, but the court conditions made play impossible and the day’s play was postponed; play resumed on May 11th.
Fahey never let Riviere into the game – Fahey won the two sets required convincingly.
The ‘impossible’ had happened Rob Fahey retains his title and just goes on writing the history books.
Coverage of the event was the best ever seen, and is available for you all to see on the following links: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 Fuzzy TV did the most awesome job.
The final set scores were:
0/6 5/6 6/4 6/3 2/6 6/4 6/1 6/3 6/2 6/0
The match was marked by Queen’s Club head professional Andrew Lyons and the referee was RMTC’s professional Jonathan Howell.
What is the marker thinking at this moment?
