Ruth on a roll at tennis masters

Recovering from a broken leg kept top masters tennis player Ruth Seeman from the national tournament in Auckland last year, but normal business resumed at the championships in Nelson last month.

Ruth, who moved to Richmond from Christchurch four years ago, won nine of her 10 matches across three divisions. The former professional player, who represented New Zealand in 1989, was unbeaten in her singles matches in the 60+ grade at the Tahunanui Tennis Club.

“There were only four entries so it was round robin competition rather than going to a final. Women’s numbers are diminishing worldwide,” comments the 61-year-old.

Ironically Ruth didn’t get to play on her home Richmond courts as she won her singles match, scheduled there, by walkover. She teamed with Auckland’s Angela Swinkels for the 55+ doubles and they won all four of their matches in straight sets.

The former physiotherapist then linked with Taranaki tennis coach Mark Belcher and they reached the final of the 60+ mixed double as she went after the treble.
They came up against the top seeded men’s player John Lawrence and his partner Angela Holtom at the Nelson Lawn Tennis Club at Rutherford Park.

The Aucklanders won the first set 6-1 but Ruth and Mark fought back to take the second 6-4 but then lost the super tie 10-6.

Organisers brought that final forward to day four and it was played in very windy conditions and, of course, it was much nicer on the final day. John won all eight of his matches over the tournament.

“Some of those masters men are very competitive,” observed Ruth.

Mind you, she has been too, going back to 1980’s where she was part of the golden era of New Zealand women’s professional tennis.

“I played with Belinda Cordwell, Julie Richardson and Claudine Toleafoa and the Nutri-metics tournament in Auckland used to be an annual highlight,” recalls Ruth.

She teamed with Julie in doubles for the Federation Cup Tie against Italy in Tokyo in1989. They lost the match but won the tie.

Tennis is still keeping Ruth very busy in retirement as she belongs to the Richmond, Hope and Tahunanui clubs and plays socially at Nelson too, during winter.

And how’s this for going full circle, just days after her hectic playing schedule she returned to walk the track where she sustained her broken leg in 2023.

“I was skipping down the Involution Trail in Marsden Valley when I tripped on tree roots. Fortunately, my son was there to help me up,” reflects Ruth.

Having safely negotiated the track this time, Ruth is set to return to the local club tennis scene and is keen to defend her masters’ titles next year.

“Although no one could tell me where the venue will be,” concludes the former age grade international.