The Ulster County Open Tennis Tournament, held at Forsyth Park on July 19th, witnessed the rise of new champions in the men's and women's singles categories. Evan Ambrose, the top seed, dominated the tournament, securing his victory with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Mat Guido, the No. 3 seed. This triumph marked Ambrose's consistent performance throughout the tournament, as he didn't drop a single set in his five matches. On the women's side, Karen Gill emerged as the champion, defeating Carolyn Pinheiro 6-0, 6-2 in the final. Gill's dominance was evident as she also didn't lose a set in her three matches. The tournament saw a significant increase in participation, with a 63% rise in unique participants compared to the previous year, totaling 48 individuals who participated in multiple draws. The highlight of the tournament was the longest match, which spanned 33 games, with Franz Kaisik and Rick Lange emerging victorious over Jesse Goldfarb and Philippe Hyman in a thrilling men's doubles match. Mat Guido, the runner-up in the men's singles, accumulated the most games (148) during the tournament. The total number of games played by all participants reached an impressive 1,720. The tournament's success extended beyond the court, as it raised $7,685 through player registrations and sponsorships, with further funds expected from an upcoming 45-and-over event in September. These funds will contribute to the much-needed improvement of local tennis courts, ensuring the sport's accessibility and growth in the community. The tournament's success and the positive impact on the local tennis infrastructure are testaments to the hard work and dedication of the organizers and participants alike.
