Natures’ Fireworks at the August Battery Park Junior Open

Three months ago the May Battery Park Junior Open was visited by a monsoon-like all day rain on opening day that forced the cancellation of consolation brackets.  The August Battery Park Junior Open finished this past weekend without canceling a single division or match, but thunder and lightning approaching from the north added excitement to the on court fireworks.

Saturday matches started without delay and progressed smoothly until early afternoon.  Dark clouds threatened and a deluge was preceded by thunder and lightning.  The presence of downed trees from recent previous storms near Courts 1 and 10 served as a reminder of the potential danger of straight line winds that often accompany thunderstorms.

The courts were cleared at the first sound of thunder, and players quickly reported to the tournament desk.  The decision was made to suspend play for the day for safety’s sake and resume the matches in progress on Sunday morning.  Sunday’s matches were rescheduled with a 90 minute delay to allow completion of matches in progress.

Players, family and friends who fled the park on Saturday before the downpour returned to the courts on Sunday under a cloudy but friendly sky to complete the tournament.

The Battery Park Junior Open Series is a joint project of the Richmond Tennis Association and the City of Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.

Congratulations to all players for good sportsmanship exhibited and great tennis.