2018 Eastern Singles A Success

September 29, 2018
Greenwich, CT

The players and fans at the Eastern Singles, the only singles tournament on the APTA calendar, were treated to a gorgeous day on Saturday, with the weather a perfect backdrop for the players to showcase the singles skills rarely seen on a paddle court.

Sixteen men competed for the title, Sebastian Bredberg, who won the title in 2012, outlasting tournament director Michael Montalbano, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8) in a thrilling final. Rhode Island’s Dan Hansen won the consolation.

A round robin format was used in the five player women’s draw, with the top two after the round robin facing off in the finals. Regular partners Florentina Hanisch and Annica van Starrenburg were the finalists, with Hanisch prevailing in a third set super tiebreaker, 3-6, 6-1, 10-6. Noting that in singles paddle each player gets two serves, Hanisch explained, “I try to go bigger on my first serve and I drive way more than I do in doubles. You also have to be prepared to run a lot in singles paddle!”

Thank you to Michael Montalbano and Juan Arraya for organizing and running a great event, and to Carrie Rabuse for handmaking the very popular prizes!