Mrs Fahey secured a record-extending eighth consecutive Ladies Real Tennis World Championship in emphatic fashion with a 6-0, 6-2, 6-0 victory over France’s Lea Van Der Zwalmen, the world number 2, in straight sets in Newport, Rhode Island, becoming the first player to win under the tournament’s new best-of-five format.

Mrs Fahey, who first captured the world title in 2011, latest triumph marks her third consecutive final against Van Der Zwalmen, following victories at Fontainebleau Palace in 2022 and at The Oratory in 2023.

Mrs Fahey took the first set 6–0, showcasing her tactical versatility, deft volleying, and precision under pressure. The second set followed a similar trajectory. Mrs Fahey maintained a high level of intensity, rarely giving her opponent space to dictate rallies. Van Der Zwalmen attempted to mount a fightback, forcing some longer exchanges, but Mrs Fahey converted key points and capitalised on errors from the French challenger to close out the set 6-2. 

In the third and final set, Van Der Zwalmen showed glimpses of the form that brought her to the final, pushing Fahey in several close games. However, the champion’s composure and superior court craft proved decisive, as she sealed the final set 6-0. 

Speaking after the match, Mrs Fahey expressed her pride in the achievement. “Every world championship means a lot, but this one is particularly special. The new format adds a different kind of challenge — physically and mentally — and I’m proud of how I adapted. Lea is a fantastic competitor, and I knew I had to be at my best.”

Mrs Fahey and Tara Lumley also secured the doubles title with a solid win over Van Der Zwalmen and Margaux Randjbar. The British pair won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3, showing consistency and control throughout the match. It was the third time the pair had partnered each other at the Ladies’ World Championship and their third victory together. 

The 2025 final marked the first time the championship adopted a best-of-five format, introduced to better reflect the physical demands and evolving standards of the women’s game. 

The Oratory 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. Its rich heritage dates back centuries, but Fahey’s sustained success is helping to raise its profile among newer audiences, particularly women and younger players. 

This summer, The Oratory’s sporting provision will be further enhanced with the introduction of Padel Courts, while an all-weather-pitch is set for completion in Autumn term.