Leading Seaman Holder beat defending champion, Leading Seaman Clearance Diver Rob Anstee 6-2 in the final after losing to him earlier in the round-robin contest.

Typifying Navy’s keeping fit to fight ethos, Leading Seaman Holder said his serve and improved fitness levels won him the day.

“Rob is a consistent hitter so I knew I had to play an aggressive game,” he said.

Both men played a heavy schedule of games to get to the finals, and the humid conditions took their toll. 

“I played last year and did okay but didn't make it past the round-robin stage,” Leading Seaman Holder said. “Since then I have been playing tennis weekly and my fitness has improved.”

Leading Seaman Anstee said his opponent’s serve and low error count were the reasons for his success.

“I didn’t play my best in the final. I was fatigued and lost concentration,” said the big-hitting diver from HMAS Penguin.

“I struggled with the ping of the new balls and kept hitting it long.” 

Leading Seaman Anstee said he was looking forward to the Burrell Cup, Navy’s tennis doubles competition.

From HMAS Albatross, Leading Seaman Holder has played tennis since the age of 10 and participated in state competitions.

The Cup was held at the Garden Island Heritage Centre Tennis Courts, in Sydney, with 21 competitors battling it out.

Petty Officer Physical Training Instructor Corey Short took on Leading Seaman Anstee in one semi-final, while 2015 winner Commander Marc Pavillard played Leading Seaman Holder in the other.

Event organiser Leading Seaman Physical Training Instructor Zac Stanley said the day was a success with quality tennis played by all.

“It was a fantastic victory and congratulations to all the players who competed,” Leading Seaman Stanley said.

Navy service requires fitness for personnel to have the resilience for sea service.