2016 Potter Cup

The 44th Potter Cup is one of the preeminent team competition in senior tennis.  It draws many former pros and top veterans from around the world.  It is played in Barcelona, Spain on the beautiful red clay courts of the Polo Club.  The format is Davis Cup style format with each match consisting of 5 Singles and 2 Doubles. This year’s competition consisted of eight teams from the following countries, Spain (two teams), Ireland, Great Britain, Italy, France, Belgium and US. The United States team was made up of Jeff Cohen (Captain), Mikael Pernfors,  Carl Clark, Tobias Svantesson, Horacio Rearte  and Frank Vermeer. (left to right per pic w flag)

The US team defeated France  4-1 in their opening match,  Great Britain 4-1 in the semifinals and defeated the 2014 and 2015 champions Italy 4-3 in the Final. The US team was down 3-2 after the singles; however played tremendous doubles capturing the final 2 points giving the US a 4-3 victory! Spain 1 defeated Great Britain 4-1 to claim  3rd place, while France defeated Ireland 4-1 for fifth and sixth position respectively.

Once again, the flagship International Clubs senior event saw a wealth of talent taking part. Former Roland Garros finalist Mikael Pernfors anchored the US team while Spain’s Alex Lopez Moron, Jordi Arrese, David de Miguel and  USA’s Tobias Svantesson were just a few of the  successful ATP players that participated. 

As always, the Potter Cup featured a social element, with the players enjoying two formal dinners, one at the Polo club and one at the Barcelona Club de Real.  Many of the players also took time out to participate in a clinic in which they took to the court alongside Acell Federation players affected by learning disabilities.

Great time was had by all!