Vintage tennis tournament TV Rosus 2026

TV Rosus hosted a lovely vintage tennis tournament, where players could choose to play with wooden rackets. For me, it was also a great opportunity to set up my small mobile Tennis Attic exhibition.

There was a lot of interest in the collection. Alongside a selection of very old rackets as the F.H.Ayres, the Thonet *b and the Slazenger Special Demon and my complete Wall of Fame, I had brought some of the more unusual experiments in tennis racket history: the Ergonom, the Handler and the Blackburne Double String. As always, these rather extraordinary rackets attracted plenty of curious looks and questions.

The tournament took place in the evening, but there was very little relief from the heat. Even after sunset, temperatures remained almost tropical. Vintage tennis with wooden rackets on a warm summer evening — for once, the Netherlands felt almost like Wimbledon. 

Rapid Wooden Open '26

The Rapid Wooden Open is a unique celebration of tennis as it was played in its golden era. Players dressed in traditional all-white clothing stepped onto the court armed with classic wooden rackets, creating an atmosphere that brought the 1970s and 1980s back to life.

The event combined friendly yet competitive doubles tennis with a genuine appreciation for the history of the game. Around the courts, a vintage-style food truck, a busy terrace and an enthusiastic crowd completed the experience, making it much more than just a tennis tournament.

Throughout the day, players and spectators enjoyed a relaxed and nostalgic atmosphere, proving that wooden rackets still have the power to bring people together. The Rapid Wooden Open has become a unique event where tradition, friendship and the timeless beauty of tennis meet. 

"After all, tennis is not only about winning matches – it is also about preserving its rich history and sharing it with future generations."

TPC Schinveld 2025

Awaiting photos from the 50th anniversary of TPC Schinveld, this exhibition will feature a display and casual play with wooden rackets, with participants mostly dressed in traditional white. It promises to be another memorable celebration of tennis heritage.

TV Rapid 2024

An exhibition was held in conjunction with a classic all-white wooden racket tournament at my own club, TV Rapid. Visitors experienced both the elegance of historical equipment and the excitement of live matches played in tradition-inspired attire.

Oranje Nassau 2023

Four evenings were dedicated to a changing collection at Oranje Nassau, the largest tennis club in Heerlen, held to complement their annual internal tournament. Enthusiasts gathered to admire and discuss historical pieces, exchanging stories and knowledge along the way.