Reigate Priory Lawn Tennis Club’s Open Finals Day brought together players, members and supporters for a full day of competitive tennis, with six titles decided across the singles and doubles competitions.
There were defending champions looking to retain their trophies, first-time finalists, a doubles rematch from 2025 and some excellent comeback tennis.
Josh Retains the Men’s Singles Title
The day began with the Men’s Singles final between defending champion and No. 1 seed Josh N. and No. 3 seed Euan W.
The pair know each other’s games particularly well, not least because they would later be teaming up for the Men’s Doubles final later in the day. Both are big hitters, but Josh took control of the singles encounter and successfully defended his title with a convincing 6-1, 6-0 victory.
Spencer T. was in the chair to umpire the final.
Claire Takes the Ladies’ Singles Crown
Alongside the Men’s Singles, Claire W. and Mars H. contested the Ladies’ Singles final.
Mars was appearing in the final for the second successive year after finishing runner-up in 2025, while No. 2 seed Claire was looking to use her consistency and calm to overcome Mars’ determined and tricky slice game.
It was Claire who came through, winning 6-2, 6-2 to claim the 2026 Ladies’ Singles title.
Duncan T. umpired the match.
Tim Successfully Defends the Mixed Plate
The Mixed Plate Singles saw defending champion Tim A. take on Tony C., a first-time entrant playing in his first club final.
Tim won the inaugural Mixed Plate competition in 2025 and made it back-to-back titles with a 6-2, 6-3 victory.
It was nevertheless a great achievement for Tony to reach a final in his first appearance in the competition.
Russell D. umpired the Plate final.
Lucy and Susie Reverse the 2025 Ladies’ Doubles Result
There was a familiar look to the Ladies’ Doubles final, with defending champions and No. 1 seeds Heather B. and Claire W. facing Lucy H. and Susie T. in a rematch of the 2025 final.
Last year it was Heather and Claire who took the title, but this time Lucy and Susie turned the tables. The multiple-time winners produced a strong performance to win 6-1, 6-2 and reclaim the Ladies’ Doubles trophy.
Peter H. umpired the final.
Josh and Euan Fight Back to Retain Their Doubles Title
One of the most competitive scorelines of Finals Day came in the Men’s Doubles.
After facing each other across the net in the morning’s singles final, defending champions and No. 1 seeds Josh N. and Euan W. joined forces to take on No. 2 seeds Dave L. and Ivan N.
Dave and Ivan made an excellent start and took the opening set 6-2, putting the defending champions under real pressure.
Josh and Euan responded in the second, edging it 6-4 in a tense set to level the match before another close third set. They eventually completed the comeback 6-4, retaining their title with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory.
Kerry J. umpired the match.
Josh and Melody Finish the Day With the Mixed Doubles Title
No. 1 seeds Tim A. and Lucy H. returned to defend their 2025 title in the last match of the day, taking on the no. 2 seeds Josh N. and Melody R.
There was strong hitting and dynamic play from all four players in this entertaining match, but Josh and Melody took the final match 6-2 6-3, enabling Josh to claim an open finals hat-trick!
Simon F. umpired the match.
A Big Thank You to Everyone Who Helped
A successful Finals Day relies on far more than the players on court, and a huge thank you goes to everyone who gave their time to help throughout the day.
A particularly big thank you goes to Claire W., who organised this year’s Open tournament and Finals Day. From coordinating the draws and matches throughout the competition to bringing everything together for Finals Day, a huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to make the tournament happen. Thank you, Claire, for all the time and effort you put into making the 2026 Open such a success.
Thank you to Hilary A., Andrea H., Vicky H. and Katie B., who looked after the teas and refreshments, to Emily and her helpers behind the bar, and to Paul B. and Liz T., who kept everyone fed at the BBQ.
We’d also like to thank all six of our umpires, Spencer T., Duncan T., Russell D., Peter H., Kerry J. and Simon F., for giving their time to officiate the finals.
Amar H. for capturing the event with superb photos.
And, of course, thank you to everyone who came down to watch and support the players, as well as everyone who helped behind the scenes to make Open Finals Day possible.
Open Finals Day 2026 Results
Men’s Singles: Josh N. def. Euan W. 6-1, 6-0
Ladies’ Singles: Claire W. def. Mars H. 6-2, 6-2
Mixed Plate Singles: Tim A. def. Tony C. 6-2, 6-3
Ladies’ Doubles: Lucy H. & Susie T. def. Heather B. & Claire W. 6-1, 6-2
Men’s Doubles: Josh N. & Euan W. def. Dave L. & Ivan N. 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
Mixed Doubles: Melody R. & Josh N. def. Tim A. & Lucy H. 6-2, 6-3
Congratulations to all of our 2026 Open champions and finalists, and thank you to everyone who helped make it such an enjoyable day at Reigate Priory Lawn Tennis Club.
If you’re looking for a friendly tennis club in Reigate, Reigate Priory Lawn Tennis Club welcomes players of all ages and abilities, with social tennis, coaching, competitive matches and club tournaments throughout the year.
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