Archie, who completed his A Level studies at The Oratory last term, produced a remarkable performance to defeat American Junior No. 1 Jonah Serotta in an epic three-set final. 

The final was the culmination of a week-long championship featuring the world’s top 16 junior players, with Archie progressing through their respective draws to reach the final.

Archie's route to the title could hardly have been more dramatic. With ambitions of pursuing a professional career in Real Tennis, the 18-year-old faced a stern test against Serotta, who controlled much of the opening set. Archie found himself 5–2 down before fighting back to level the score, only to lose a fiercely contested final game and the set 6–5. The momentum, however, had begun to shift. Archie demonstrated a combination of excellent touch and power to establish a 4–2 lead in the second set and appeared set to level the match. Serotta responded with a comeback of his own, reducing the deficit to 5–4 and threatening to force another deciding game. Archie held his nerve, producing two outstanding volleys to close out the set and level the match at one set apiece, to the delight of the largely British crowd. The deciding set was equally dramatic. Archie raced into a 4–1 lead, but Serotta once again refused to surrender and produced some of his best tennis of the match to level at 4–4. Archie moved ahead again at 5–4, only for Serotta to respond immediately and leave the players locked at 5–5, with both just one game away from the title. With the championship finely balanced, the pair traded points in an enthralling final game. At 30–30, an untimely double fault from Serotta handed Watson Championship Point. What followed was an extraordinary rally in which both players had opportunities to claim victory before Archie produced an outstanding volley return winner. The winning shot sparked wild celebrations in front of a packed Seacourt crowd as Archie was crowned World Junior Champion.

Claire Fahey, Head of Oratory Girls' Games and the current Ladies' Real Tennis and Ladies' Rackets World Champion, says, "I am delighted for Archie. He has worked incredibly hard on his game since he started playing Real Tennis at the school. He has showed real resilience and should be very proud of his performance."

The Oratory School is one of only 4 schools in the country to have a Real Tennis court. Real Tennis, often referred to as the original racquet sport, is played on asymmetrical indoor courts with uniquely sloped surfaces and complex angles. This weekend, The Oratory Real Tennis court will once again be taking part in the T&RA National Real Tennis Open Days to encourage more players of the sport. FREE 2-hour taster sessions with our world-class coaches will be running on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September. Learn the basics, play your first points, and experience one of the world’s most unique sports! This offer is open to all ages and abilities – no prior experience is needed. Contact pros@ortc.uk for more information.