Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube

The SeasonAhead

With Adam Bews

Looking Ahead With Adam Bews: The 2024/25 Men’s Season As the 2024/25 season approaches, there’s a noticeable buzz among the players. The top two or 3 teams will see plenty of competition over the coming months, with numerous partner changes and exciting new pairings emerging. The SDA has a number of young, talented players who will be heading into each event with determination and optimism, aiming to cause upsets and advance deep into the draws. The big question is: which players will become consistent enough to challenge the top teams? New players often hold their own in matches but can falter in crucial moments, succumbing to over-eagerness, sloppy mistakes and overconfidence (let’s be honest, we’ve all been there!). In doubles, the difference between the top players and others often comes down to positioning and shot selection. Top players rarely get caught out of position and consistently make smarter shot choices in the big points, qualities that are especially important at tight points in a match. With that in mind, here are my players to watch this season: Sam Khalifa Sam had an outstanding year last season. He demonstrated a remarkable eagerness to learn from everyone he interacted with and absorbed information like a sponge. His exceptional skills and performance earned him Player of the Season, Most Improved Player, and a spot on the Team of the Season alongside Chris Callis. This year, I’m keen to see how Sam handles the new pressure of being World Number 1 with everyone aiming to take him down. Legends of the game, such as Mudge, Gould, and Mathur, maintained the top position for years, consistently winning events and going on impressive undefeated runs. I’m intrigued to see if Sam seizes this opportunity and maintains his dominance, or if his reign will be brief. Ashley Davies If you could design the perfect doubles player, Ashley would be a close match: tall, left-handed, aggressive, and powerful. Over the past two seasons, Ashley has impressed with his strong attacking play, his ability to take control of the left wall, and his fierce competitiveness. Having competed at a high level throughout college, he understands what it takes to win. It will be intriguing to see who he pairs up with and how their chemistry develops. Andrew Muran Andrew earned the Rookie of the Year title for good reason, with several standout performances and near upsets last season. I’m eager to see how Andrew builds on this momentum. From my experience, moving up the rankings requires a few key strategies:
  1. Maintain a consistent partner. Good communication and familiarity on the court during crucial points are vital.
  2. Choose your events wisely. Sometimes it’s beneficial to avoid top teams and focus on events further afield or lower prize money to gain ranking points and experience.
  3. Observe the top players. Watching matches from later rounds can provide valuable insights. Watch JR’s positioning, Stouts shot selection and Callis when matches get tight.
Cameron Pilley Cam’s resume speaks for itself. No longer a rookie, he has been honing his game and putting in hard work on the court. We’re all watching to see when everything clicks for Cam, as he’ll become an even more formidable opponent. With his steady partner and close friend Cuskelly returning to Australia, it will be interesting to see how Cam adapts with a new partner and how this affects his development.  Exciting Events to Watch
    • Maryland Club: It’s fantastic to see the Maryland Club back on the calendar. Andrew Cordova and the club always do an excellent job, and it will be exciting to watch this event continue to grow.
    • David Johnson Memorial: This is my personal favorite event on tour. The crowd is incredibly loud and engaged, creating an electric atmosphere. The knowledgeable membership and the fantastic Casino court (minus the beam) make it a standout event.
  • Buffalo Cup: This event is a favorite among players and an excellent way to end the season. The Buffalo Club has an outstanding membership, and Tom Hayes does a fantastic job running the event. If you haven’t participated before, I strongly recommend giving it a try!
  • St. Louis: It’s wonderful to see this event back on the calendar as a ranking tournament, and it’s a perfect way to start the men’s season. The Racquet Club is a cornerstone of the SDA tour and arguably has the best viewing of any club in the country. I always look forward to returning to St. Louis to catch up with familiar faces and members from my four years there.

Tour Sponsors

Tour Partners