The LTA Writers Lunch Review

Written by: Staff on 8th December 2013

The LTA Writers Lunch Review

epa03849857 Andy Murray of Great Britain hits a return to Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan during their match on the ninth day of the 2013 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 03 September 2013. The US Open runs through Monday 09 September, a 15-day schedule for the first time. EPA/JASON DECROW |

The tennis family from all over the world of tennis attended the prestigious Lawn Tennis Writers’ Annual Awards lunch on December 3rd, and names included the All England Club’s chairman, Philip Brook, President of the ITF, Francesco Ricci Bitte, Chris Kermode the incoming ATP Executive Chairman, and Peter Bretherton, Chairman of the LTA were amongst the many well known and famous names who attended this year’s lunch.

Services to Tennis Award went to Andy Murray who is currently in Miami and was unable to attend, but his reward was graciously received by his mother. This year’s Barclays International Tennis Award went to Billie Jean King and received Virginia Wade and Maria Bueno on her behalf.

Tennis rackets signed by Serena Williams and Marion Bartoli were amongst the many prizes donated to the charity auction and raffle which raised several thousands of pounds for the Royal Marsden Hospital one of the UK’s leading cancer hospital. Andy Murray’s signed and framed tennis shirt, similar to one he wore when he won the Wimbledon finals failed to interest impoverished tennis writers, but thoughtfully Judy Murray stepped in and bid £1,000.

Ross Hutchins, a top doubles player and friend of Andy Murray was diagnosed with cancer a year ago and is being treated by The Royal Marsden hospital. He is currently in remission.

The ‘Order of Play kicked off with a reception in Court One’s Debenture Lounge, followed by a three course lunch in the Renshaw Restaurant, speeches, awards and charity raffle. Guests were entertained by brilliant impersonator Josh Berry who mimicked several top players including Andy Murray, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Berry is a twenty year old student and this was his first ‘live’ performance

Topics: Andy Murray, Atp, Billie Jean King, British tennis news, Chris Kermode, Francesco Ricci Bitte, Lawn Tennis Writers Annual Award, Lta, Maria Bueno, Tennis News, Virginia Wade