News & Results

Wallenberg Trophy 2022

Wallenberg Trophy 2022

IC Mixed: Wallenberg Trophy

Venue: Båstad, Sweden

Result: 1st Place & Wallenberg Trophy Winners: IC of GB, 2nd Place: IC of Germany, 3rd Place: IC of Sweden Date: Friday 12th – Sunday 14th August 2022

 

Match Report

The picturesque seaside town of Bastad, Sweden provided the setting for the first staging of the Wallenberg Trophy since 2019. That year, team GB scored a first victory since 2004. The 2022 IC of GB team featured 3 of the 4 players from the 2019 winning side; captain David Collins, Teresa Catlin and Hugh Jaques, plus new recruit Amy Partridge, and were keen to taste success once again. Due to the withdrawl of the IC of France team, the fixture became a 3 way round robin between the ICs of GB, Germany and hosts Sweden. Day 1 saw the teams take to the red clay of Drivan tenniscenter and complete the singles rubbers, with all teams intriguingly tied at 2-2 after this stage. Teresa underlined her world class credentials with 2 wins out of 2, including a crucial 12-10 champions tie break win against Germany, whilst Hugh, David and Amy all managed a win, with David crucially battling back from a set down to earn a win against Germany. After a restorative dip in the azure blue Swedish sea, the teams were treated to a memorable champagne reception at the seaside villa of Swedish tennis great Anders Johansson. In his introductory remarks, IC of Sweden head Olle Palmer recounted the history of this prestigious competition and how it embodies the broader purpose of the IC in fostering connections and friendly competition between nations. The teams then headed to a stunning seafront restaurant for a dinner together as the sun set over the harbour. Day 2 saw the teams return to the court for the mixed doubles with all to play for. GB started strongly, winning both matches in straight sets against Germany to take the tie 4-2. Sweden and Germany completed their fixture next with Germany edging the win on sets after a 3-3 draw. The competition therefore came down to the final two mixed rubbers between GB and Sweden. Hugh and Amy won through in straight sets, relying on some strong returning and judicious use of the lob. Teresa and David showed grit, determination and flair to complete the win for GB, edging out a high class Swedish pair that included former ATP top 20 pro Henrik Holm and complete the 4-2 win for the IC of GB. Team GB were presented with the trophy and celebrated their back to back Wallenberg wins in style – with a quick final paddle in the ocean!! Special thanks go to Olle Palmer and our generous hosts, the IC of Sweden, and to captain David Collins for leading team GB through the event with his customary panache

First1516171820222324Last

Archived News & Results

To view older news articles please visit the archived news page