Tennis News:

 
 
Jeremy Cross and Rupert Hannon ensured double delight for Haverfordwest Tennis Club, with both bringing home national titles.
 
Men’s star player Cross won two titles at the British Masters Closed Grass Court Championships at Wimbledon, while rising star Hannon was crowned boys’ under 8 champion at the Welsh Championships at Penarth Windsor Lawn Tennis Club.
 
Cross, 48, started the week at The All England Club by defending the men’s doubles title he won in 2023 with Andrew Birse. They joined forces again this year and beat number two seeds Jason Donoghue and Richard Downs 6-2 6-2 in the final.
 
Cross then progressed through the singles rounds, before meeting number one seed Birse in the final, where he recovered from dropping the opening set to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
 
“I can say for the first time that I am a British champion at singles, which is pretty awesome,” said Cross.
 
“Beating the top seed and my doubles partner in the final was satisfying, especially coming from a set down.
 
“I also had my family watching this year which was lovely.”
 
It caps another successful year for Cross who won the men’s over 45 British Open Masters Indoor Championship in February. He now has an International Tennis Federation (ITF) ranking of 50th in the world.






 

Rupert revels in Tennis success

 
The future looks equally as bright for junior player Hannon, who travels all over the country competing in singles events and as part of South Wales under 8s boys’ team.
 
He is coached by Tom Richards in Haverfordwest and also attends a coaching programme at Swansea Tennis Academy.
 
Hannon has picked up a few titles this year, but none so big as the under 8s national title at the recent Welsh Championships.
 
He lost one match in the group stages, but then showed great determination to make his way to the final where he beat Sol Green 10-8 in a close contest.
 
“I enjoyed the semi-final the best, but I did a good lob shot in the final,” said Hannon.
 
He also competed an age grade up and came fourth in the under 9s tournament.
 
Richards said: “Everyone at Haverfordwest Tennis Club is incredibly proud of Rupert. He’s put in a lot of hard work and it a pleasure to work with on court.

“His success is also down to the commitment of his parents, so I’m equally pleased for them.
“Rupert absolutely loves his tennis and we’re all excited to see him progress further.”