The 2025 Will Hartigan Big Apple Open delivered an action-packed weekend of professional squash doubles at the New York Athletic Club. The draw provided fans with thrilling rallies and dramatic comebacks, with the growing depth and talent of the SDA Tour on full display.
The stand out match of the early rounds was the quarterfinal between Elroy Leong and Kyle Martino vs. NYAC Pros Clinton Leeuw and Jaymie Haycocks. Leong/Martino survived a heart-stopping five-game battle with the 14-15, 15-14, 15-12, 12-15, 15-14 scoreline barely capturing the intensity of the 90-minute match. Leong/Martino rallied from game deficits, with pivotal points including a 111-shot rally in the third game and multiple match-point exchanges, ultimately clinching victory on a dramatic simultaneous-match-point finish. The semifinals set up compelling showdowns. Top seeds James Stout and Scott Arnold defeated Leong and Martino 15-9, 11, 12 in a rematch of the North American Open semi final in January, demonstrating relentless pressure and precision, while Sam Khalifa and Chris Callis overcame a first-game deficit to beat Josh Hughes and Tor Christoffersen.
The men’s final lived up to it’s pre match hype when Khalifa and Callis triumphed over Stout and Arnold on a simultaneous game ball/match ball at the end of a 22 minute 4th game. Khalifa’s signature backhand cross-drop volleys secured victory, marking his second consecutive Will Hartigan Memorial Big Apple Open title, having won in 2024 with close friend and fellow Racquet and Tennis Club member, Kyle Martino. This was Khalifa/Callis’s second title of the season so far, making them the team to beat for the rest of the season.
With high-stakes matches, remarkable comebacks, and top-tier athleticism on display, the 2025 Will Hartigan Memorial Big Apple Open proved why New York City remains a centerpiece of professional squash doubles.