Robert Shenkman has reaffirmed his status as the leading amateur in the world, defending his MCC Gold Racquet title in straight sets against three-time challenger Bertie Vallat.
Robert Shenkman was defending his MCC Gold Racquet title for the third time, having taken the title from Jamie Douglas in 2023. His opponent was the MCC Silver Racquet holder, Bertie Vallat, who defeated the All-Comers Champion Benedict Yorston in straight sets earlier in the month. It was the third time that Vallat had challenged for the Gold Racquet, losing to Shenkman on both prior occasions.
Vallat took the first game of the match, successfully boasting his way out of Shenkman’s tight railroads. But Shenkman quickly settled into his groove. Though Vallat was happy to play cross-courts with Shenkman, it was in the hope that something was going to play out of the nick or float into the grille. Vallat led in the first set 3/2 as a result, but Shenkman knew he could outlast his opponent. Anything Vallat played down to Shenkman’s forehand was immediately punished into the grille, while Vallat couldn’t do the same in response. Shenkman controlled the final four games of the first set almost entirely from the service end, barely giving Vallat a chance to fight back.
Shenkman continued to be in complete control in the second set. He scarcely made an error, defending Vallat’s persistent play and picking his moments to expand and play for a target or a winner. Shenkman’s nine-game run came to an end at 5/0 in the second set, when Vallat was finally able to get some short chases past him to take a game and threatened a second. But Shenkman didn’t blink, setting and defending a halfyard chase to win the set. The defending champion turned the screws for the third set, playing more and more attacking shots. It never gave Vallat a chance to find any counterplay. Shenkman blitzed the set and secured victory with Vallat unable to win a single game.
Shenkman will retain the title for another year, while Vallat settles for the Silver Racquet title. Both players will be in action next at the British Open at the Queen’s Club later in November.
Match results:
11:00 AM: Robert Shenkman def Bertie Vallat 6/3 6/1 6/0