Tennis players serve up success at 2024 Observer Challenge

The Observer Challenge took over the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center the chilly weekend of Jan. 18-21.

“We literally come to Longboat every year for this tennis tournament,” said Ewelina Kmiec. She said that she is here for the whole month of January, escaping the cold Canada weather and enjoying the multitude of activities on the island.

Friday provided a sunny start to the tournament while people got their head in the game. Teams were in for a full day on Saturday as Division 1 and Division 2 finished with their finals. Kay Thayer, tennis manager, said that the stands were full as people came to support their friends from around the island.

Teams came from a mix of different organizations from around Longboat. A majority came from the Tennis Center and the Longboat Key Club. There were a few teams from off the island such as the Siesta Key runner-up team for Division 3 finals. About 70 people played in the tournament this year.

“The real dedicated players play at the Tennis Center and the Key Club,” said Marcia Gutridge, who was on the Division 3 winning team. “The tournament brings it all together though. I love seeing everyone here.”

The Division 3 finals were on Jan. 21. Observer Media Group CEO Matt Walsh came out to wrap up the tournament and congratulate the winners on a great weekend of tennis.

“We wanted to avoid the cold weather on Sunday so we tried to play a lot on Saturday which was fun,” said Thayer. “It worked out great because people were able to enjoy the two days of tennis and then have a relaxing Sunday. It was a good tournament.”