TC Longchamps captured the men’s inter-regional tennis championship on Sunday with a 7–2 victory over TC Spa, confirming their dominance after winning the Interséries title in June. Captain Simon Craninx led the Waremme-based squad through a campaign that now sets the club up for national competition next season.
Inter-Regional Victory Confirms Summer Momentum
Playing on Sunday, the squad from TC Longchamps met the same Spadois lineup they defeated three months earlier in the Interséries tournament. Despite what captain Simon Craninx described as a somewhat unusual setup for a final, the younger players kept their composure to secure a 7–2 win. The victory was clinched without doubles matches being contested, as TC Spa lacked sufficient available players to field doubles pairings.
“On one hand, it’s good to win this competition; it shows that we were above the rest and confirmed our Interséries title,” Craninx said of the double-trophy run. At the same time, he noted a minor drawback to the regional path: “It would have been better to cross paths with other teams, as in other categories, because that’s also why we play Interclubs. But we see the glass as half-full.”
Roster Reconstruction and National Promotion
Sunday’s final marked a milestone for TC Longchamps, representing the first time the club has fielded and sustained a team of this configuration. The immediate reward for the regional triumph is promotion to the national level for the upcoming season, bringing a heavier schedule.
“It’s the first time we’ve reconstituted a team like this at Longchamps, so we’re super happy,” Craninx stated. “Next year, we’ll be playing at the national level. We’ll have more matches, which is better, and we’ll see how it goes.”
A Partnership Rooted in Youth Development
To prepare for the national stage, TC Longchamps integrated Thibault Saive into the playing squad. Saive, who is Craninx’s close friend, joined him a year ago to direct the club’s youth academy. That coaching relationship translated directly to the tennis court, where the two found themselves competing alongside their own students.
“Our goal was to rebuild a good men’s team within the club,” Craninx said, reflecting on the journey from the practice court to regional finals. “It was really cool to play with them and move up to the national division with my former students. None of them have played in the national division yet. So with Thibault, we are happy to offer them this possibility, especially since they are very motivated.”
Looking Ahead to National Play
With regional and Interséries honors secured, TC Longchamps turns its attention toward the debut of its young core in national-level fixtures. The combination of coaching leadership and driven junior prospects will face its next test when the national club calendar commences.
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