Tennis

Having seen some ups and down in the past four years, Merton's tennis fortunes saw a steady rise this academic year. After recruiting a sizeable portion of new team members in Michaelmas term, especially MCR and JCR freshers, we continued to hold weekly tennis practice sessions on the weekends on Merton's three tennis courts. These provided helpful social events to meet each other and get to know each other's skills and tennis style; it also enabled the JCR and MCR to join forces more strongly. The warm weather proved excellent for these games.

We continued with this practice over Hilary term as well, if with less frequency due to the weather. Towards the end of term, we also began planning for our season of Oxford's legendary inter-college Tennis Cuppers. We put together a good team and held strong practice sessions. The fruits came to light when we won our first-round Cuppers tie convincingly (7-2) against Teddy Hall, a strong college with Blues players as well, on Merton's own home turf. Our hopes looked high, and the weather set for a glorious time.

Unfortunately, our luck (and good weather) ran out, when we were beaten 6-5 in a close game against second seeds and eventual tournament finalists Lady Margaret Hall on 8 May, in adverse rain and clouds. Our run this year may have come to an end, but we look forward to coming back stronger and faster next year. Many thanks should be given to all the players who represented the College. It is a wonderful social opportunity as well as being good exercise and one path to Oxford's legendary Cuppers games.

We hope to see as many people as possible around on the courts and finally seal our game, sets and matches in Cuppers next year and beyond.

James Hua and Jack Pickering (both 2020)

Merton Tennis Co-Captains 2022-23

Equipped with the tennis racquets and balls acquired by the MCR last Trinity term, we spent much of Michaelmas term training up for our Cuppers endeavour this Trinity term. We held regular sessions every Saturday afternoon, when the weather held out, and both trained up students and learnt more about competition strategies and scoring.

Hilary term saw a slight hiatus due to the unamenable weather, but we finally signed up for Cuppers at the beginning of Trinity term. We played a series of matches against Hertford College at the Merton tennis courts on Saturday 7 May. We were unfortunate and did not get through, even with some last-minute recruitment help from our wonderful JCR Sports Rep, but we entered into the Consolation Draw and advanced to Round 2 against Balliol.

We look forward to more success next year, and plan to continue the systematic practice sessions and welcoming new Mertonian tennis players. Most importantly, I am very grateful to our wonderful players this year, and everyone else who expressed interest. This year would not have been possible without you. Go Merton!

James Hua (2020)
Merton Tennis Captain 2021-22