Game, Set and Match

The Hunstanton Tennis Tournament is over for another year; here are the results and a thank you to Mr Hunstanton Tennis, Chris Holt.

It is amazing to think that Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament started just after the Great War over 100 years ago. Rumour has it a few local dignitaries decided it would be a good idea for the town to hold its own ‘little Wimbledon’ whilst enjoying a few gin and tonics. From those humble beginnings it has turned into the biggest event of its kind, in Europe (and possibly the world). That is down to one man, Chris Holt.

Chris first became involved in 1975 with his first responsibility to sign players’ balls in and out. Woe betides if you were a ball short on sign off, as you were briskly sent back out to find another. And since 1975 the number of courts has risen from 10 to 38.

Since Chris’s involvement, there is no doubt the tournament has grown from strength to strength to evolve into the tournament it is today. Having served on the committee in many roles including secretary, Chris became tournament organiser and 2025 proved to be the 50th anniversary of his association with the event.

A group of local amateurs attended later in the week of this year’s tournament, including Councillor Richard Robinson, local man Paul Dixon, his daughter and holidaymaker, Dave Snart. As some of the outside courts became available they were able to play a couple of sets, then enjoy a few ales whilst watching the high-quality tennis on display. Marvellous, what better way to spend a summer afternoon. After probably one beer too many and a chat with Chris it was agreed all would enter the veterans tournament next year! We shall see. This does epitomise what the week is about as serious players, novices and spectators all mingle and enjoy the event together.

As the week progressed so the tennis on display intensified. All semi-finals proved to be tight affairs as players could see the silverware in sight at one of the most iconic tennis events in Britain’s summer sporting calendar.

There was a reason Ann Haydon came here in 1955, using the excellent grass courts as good preparation for Wimbledon, participating many times and, as Ann Jones, going on to win the Ladies Singles title in 1969, winning a total of seven grand slams.

The 38 courts are renowned for their quality with groundsman, Jonny Ives, who once worked at Wimbledon, praised for the high standard of care. Praise must go to him and his team of hard-working volunteers and council staff who work around the clock before, during and after the event.

Chris and Linda Holt at Buckingham Palace

Chris was a well-known teacher at the local school now known as Smithdon High School. Many alumni remember Chris, not just for smoke filled rooms in the science labs but as a friendly and courteous character who would gain their attention through his approachable teaching methods, an important and rare trait in the classroom. In fact, if former pupils were to bump into him, Chris would still often remember them even though he hadn’t seen or taught them for maybe 40 or 50 years.

Hunstanton is renowned for many things, particularly as a Victorian seaside town first developed by the Le Strange family and now as popular as ever amongst tourists and locals alike. However, the tennis tournament has become legendary, mainly down to Mr Holt, and is as much associated with the town as its coastal heritage.

With over a thousand players ranging in age from 8 to 80, there is something special about catering for tennis enthusiasts of all abilities as well as spectators.

This year there was also a raised Padel court, a game invented in Mexico in the 1960’s, a combination of tennis and squash in an enclosed arena that has now become one of the fastest growing sports around the world.

The boutique stalls, sumptuous food on offer and The Hoste sponsored bar added to the ambience and gave the whole event a festival atmosphere.

On the grass, a record entry competed in the Gentleman’s and Ladies’ Opens, Doubles, Juniors and Veterans categories across all age groups.

Seth Briggs-Williams

The top seed in the Gentleman’s event, Phillip Peters, was surprisingly beaten by Angus Creighton in the semi-finals. However, 2nd seed, Seth Briggs-Williams from Wisbech defeated Creighton in an exciting final, 6-4, 6-4, to retain his title.

Ladies Open Final - Winner, Alice Gamman (left), and Runner Up, Emma Mastin.

In the Ladies’ Open, top seed, Alice Gamman, beat Boston compatriot, Emma Mastin, 6-3, 6-0, in the final to also retain her title. Local girl and unseeded, Daisy Waddison, managed to reach the semi-finals before losing to Mastin.

Seth Briggs-Williams and James Cottam

Seth Briggs-Williams also lifted the Gentleman’s Doubles Trophy with partner, James Cottam, whilst Alice Gamman also lifted the Ladies’ Doubles Trophy with Isabel Wookey. Briggs-Williams made it a rare treble by teaming up with Genia van Daalen to win the the Mixed Doubles title.

Seth Briggs-Williams and Genia van Daalen

On the Wednesday evening, a celebration of Chris’s 50th involvement in the tournament was led by Chairman, Andy Creighton, along with LTA President, Sandi Procter.

From left Sandi Procter (LTA President), Chris Holt, Heather Bottomley (LTA Councillor for Norfolk), Andy Creighton (Tournament Chairman). Credit Chris Lowndes

Chris had already received the highest accolade the LTA bestow, the Meritorious Service Award, to add to his Competition Organiser of the Year Trophy and his BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2013. So, that evening Sandi Proctor simply presented him with a memento to celebrate this milestone. Sandi said, “Chris is simply amazing, and he is well respected at the Lawn Tennis Association. We wish him well in his retirement but know full well he will still be involved in some capacity next year”.

Whilst Chris will still be involved on a consultancy basis moving forward, his son, Stephen, will be taking over the Tournament management in 2026, much to the relief of Chris’s wife, Linda. Chris can now focus on his other favourite pastime, photography.

Chris and Linda's son Stephen presents flowers to Linda. Credit Chris Lowndes

There is a common phrase in sport that no individual is bigger than the event. On this occasion a rare exception can be made. Chris signed off his reign, with some poignant words, “of course it has been hard but, looking back, I have enjoyed every single moment. I have to thank all the people who have helped over the years, particularly all the volunteers and in particular, Jonny Ives and his team, without them, the tournament quite simply would not happen. And of course, to my long-suffering family, wife Linda and son Stephen. I look forward to seeing you all again next year but in a somewhat more relaxed capacity”.

For an interesting insight into the long and eventful history of the tournament, you can purchase the book “Wimbledon-on-Sea” by Ashley Martin online.