Dear Old Oratorians,

You are cordially invited to an afternoon of Real Tennis at the Oratory School on Sunday 25th September from 2 pm.

The Oratory Sports Centre is home to one of only 27 real tennis courts in the UK. Real tennis is the original racquet sport from which the modern game of lawn tennis is descended. The school has hosted several tournaments, including prep schools, public schools and the World Championships in 2006.  We are also fortunate to have, arguably, the greatest couple in world sporting history in Rob and Claire Fahey, leading the Rackets programs at the school.

Rob Fahey, MBE OAM will be seeking his 15th Real Tennis World Title in 29 years later on this month before retiring from the sport, while Claire, holds 6 World Titles.

Claire is the reigning Women’s Real Tennis World Champion. In 2011, Claire became the youngest ever Real Tennis World Champion at the age of 19, winning the singles and also the doubles with her sister, Sarah. Claire has won 38 Ladies Real Tennis Open Singles Championships and 37 Ladies Real Tennis Open Doubles Championships. She is also an accomplished lawn tennis and padel tennis player, as well as a tennis, badminton, squash and real tennis coach.  Together Team Fahey are responsible for increasing the popularity of the sport amongst our pupils, OOs and parents.

The Oratory will host a Real Tennis Tournament for its Old Oratorians, parents and current pupils at 2pm , followed by an exhibition match featuring Claire and Old Oratorian Paul Knox (OS 1999-2004).

Tournament entries cost £20. Please email  community@oratory.co.uk to enter. Spectators are also warmly welcome. The game is entertaining to watch and our court has several seating galleries where visitors are most welcome to come and learn a little more about what they call “the sport of kings”.