Shenkman defends MCC Gold Racquet in brutal statement of form
Robert Shenkman reminded everybody of his status as the leading amateur in the Northern Hemisphere with a thumping 6/0 6/0 6/0 victory in the MCC Gold Racquet at Lord’s on Saturday.
The win marks Shenkman’s first successful defence of the title he won off Jamie Douglas last year. Douglas elected not to defend his status as Silver Racquet holder, meaning All-Comer’s winner Vallat progressed straight to the final.
Shenkman got off to a fast start in the first set, quickly racing to a 3/0 lead. His nagging line and length consistently put Vallat under pressure, with Vallat missing his forces high on several occasions. Shenkman was also dominant in the backhand to backhand rallies. Slowly, Vallat started to find his length as the set wore on, testing Shenkman’s forehand volley. The fifth and sixth games were long deuce exchanges, with Shenkman finally taking the set after laying two short chases.
Vallat never got going in the second set and looked increasingly despondent as the set developed, dropping his head and his racket. Shenkman was all over Vallat’s loose shots, tallying up several grilles from loose serve returns. Shenkman took the set in barely a quarter of an hour on one of several errors from Vallat.
The third start started a little more competitively, with both of the first three games featuring deuce exchanges. In the third game, a stray force from Vallat appeared to go out of court, Shenkman was told mid rally that the ball was still in play and he quickly killed the ball, but graciously offered to play a let instead due to the distraction. Still, Shenkman managed to hold the edge through each of the deuce exchanges to take an unassailable lead in the match.
“I was just happy to put in a solid performance,” said Shenkman. “Playing with new balls at Lord’s requires a very specific game plan and I was happy to execute that. Winning some key deuce points also helped because the scoreline was harsh on Bertie, he made me work hard to earn all of the games.”
Shenkman’s victory is a statement of form as he approaches a British Open later this month still searching for a maiden semi final appearance. Meanwhile Vallat is facing a tough first round against Lewis Williams.
As victor, Shenkman will automatically qualify for next year’s Gold Racquet final. As runner-up, Vallat will defend the Silver Racquet.
“I’m buzzing to have retained the Gold Racquet,” said Shenkman. “It was a long time coming to win my first Gold Racquet last year and I was determined to defend the title this year. The Gold Racquet has been going since the mid-19th century and it’s a historic title to win and one that you have to respect. More than anything, the win has given me some confidence that I’ll take into the British Open.”
Both players will be in action later this month at the British Open. Tickets are still available for all days.