Impressive Fahey retains French title

THE Oratory School’s head of racquets, Claire Fahey, continues to dominate the world of real tennis as she extended her unbeaten run in the ladies’ game with her 12th French open singles title and 43rd major title overall, alongside doubles success, at the Paris Real Tennis Club.

Fahey navigated her way smoothly through the singles tournament, reaching the final without dropping a set.

In the championship match, she faced a familiar opponent in French number one and world number two, Léa Van Der Zwalmen. Despite playing in front of a home crowd heavily favouring Van Der Zwalmen, Fahey claimed a convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory.

Fahey then continued her winning ways in the doubles competition. Partnering with Saskia Bollerman, the duo claimed the title in a hard-fought three-set match against Van Der Zwalmen and Jess Garside, coming back from a set down to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Reflecting on her wins, Fahey acknowledged the challenge of adapting to the unique conditions of the French court. Fahey said: “Paris is always a tough challenge with its much bouncier court.

“It was fun to play some of my best tennis in front of a partisan crowd.”

A seven-time reigning ladies’ World Champion, unbeaten since 2009, Fahey now has her sights firmly set on an eight World Championship title when the competition returns to the US in May next year.