Southern takes back Keith Donoff Cup

USTA Southern re-captured the Keith Donoff Challenge Cup at the Men's Intersectionals in dominating fashion. Southern won six of the eight divisions. Southern was runner-up in the 75s and finished third in the 55s. 

The tournament was played in Columbus, GA.

The 2024 cup was won by USTA Texas after Southern's streak of eight victories.

Nine USTA sections competed in this year's Men's Intersectionals. The Donoff Cup is awarded to the team with the highest overall point total for matches won. Each section brings its top age-division players. Dual matches consisted of three singles and two doubles matches. Click here for the tournament page.

It was a tremendous effort by Southern players captained by Steve Duffel and Chris Bussert, who recruited and fashioned Team Southern to compete for every point. Southern Tennis Hall of Famers Eddie Gonzalez, Tom Smith, Keith Richardson and captain Duffel represented Southern in this top-level competition. Team Southern not only competed well, but more importantly, exhibited exemplary sportsmanship throughout. 

There were many examples of superb play, but on the last day, Kevin Gillette and Jason Noonan of Louisiana clinched the 60s division with a win over the top-seeded team from Southern California, 10-8 in the match tiebreak. A very close second was the win by Pat Guerry of Georgia over a top player from USTA Midwest at line 1 in the men’s 55s singles.