When you earn your way into the L1 National Clay Court Championships, you know you are going to have to grind. The surface is slow, the points are long, and, at least in the main draw, there is the prospect of having to play a full third set. This year 16 ATA players achieved the honor to compete in the annual event held each July. For one of these competitors, Fate MacAlasdair, this year’s event will likely stand out for a lifetime!

On the very first day of competition, Fate played and won the longest match of his life. Coach Newman remarked, “Most junior tennis players never play a three hour match, let alone a four hour and 15 minute match.” Through the scorching heat and stifling humidity, Fate fought valiantly  against an equally-matched opponent. After the final ball was struck, Fate and his opponent came to the net exhausted and shook hands. Fate had won the match which went to three tie breaks, 6-7, 7-6, 7-6. For his efforts, Fate was awarded Player of the Day status for the B18 draw.

When asked about the accolade, Fate said, “It meant a lot to be recognized after such a long, first round match and I am grateful for the tournament organizers and my team.” Coach Newman is aware it wasn’t a chance happening saying, “Most players would not have made it through the sort of intensity and heat. Fate’s preparation over the past year has been outstanding! He has hardly ever missed a practice or fitness session. That year long preparation, as well as three hour practices this summer, put him in a position to be able to win such a challenging match. I’m super proud of the work he’s put in”

The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi is known to have said, ‘Luck is when hard work meets opportunity.’ We at ATA are glad Fate did the work without knowing exactly when, or even if, this moment would come!