Two Decades Strong: McDaniel Tennis Tournament Celebrates a Milestone at Casa de Campo

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The 20th edition of the McDaniel Tennis Tournament closed with a championship match and a moment of reflection that underscored why the event continues to matter at Casa de Campo. Held March 5–9 at the Racquet Center and La Romana Country Club, the milestone tournament brought together players, families and longtime supporters to celebrate 20 years of tennis in service of education and health for ball boys and players.

The finals, played Sunday afternoon at La Romana Country Club, featured Edwin Guerrero and Francisco Concepción against Winter Jones and Luis Segura. Guerrero and Concepción claimed the title after a tightly contested match, capping a week defined by competitive play and shared purpose.

A Championship With Meaning

This year’s tournament followed a new format introduced for the 20th edition, using a points system to determine the top four players advancing to the semifinals and finals. The change raised the stakes throughout the week and delivered a decisive finish that kept spectators engaged until the final points.

Beyond the scoreline, the closing ceremony carried special significance. The Patronato Benéfico Oriental, which now organizes the tournament, and the tennis tournament committee presented Rick McDaniel with a commemorative plaque recognizing the 20 years the event has taken place under his vision and leadership. The gesture acknowledged a legacy that has shaped generations of players at Casa de Campo.

A Legacy Built on Opportunity

Rick McDaniel founded the tournament nearly two decades ago after seeing how a charity golf event supported caddies. He wanted to create a similar path for tennis ball boys and players. What began as a modest initiative focused on English classes grew into a broader program that now supports scholarships, vocational training and health insurance.

Since 2023, the Patronato Benéfico Oriental has overseen the tournament, continuing its original mission while ensuring transparency and long-term impact. Proceeds benefit programs that support ball boys and players tied to Casa de Campo’s tennis community and the Hogar del Niño.

Familiar Faces and Full-Circle Moments

The finals also welcomed a guest with deep ties to the courts. Professional tennis player Nicolás Moreno de Alborán, who grew up training at Casa de Campo, attended the match and received a plaque from the local pros with whom he once played as a child.

More Than a Tournament

Across five days, the McDaniel Tennis Tournament once again showed how sport can anchor a community. Matches unfolded alongside conversations among residents, supporters and players who have watched the event grow year after year. The energy stayed competitive, but the purpose stayed clear.

As the 20th edition came to a close, the focus remained on what comes next. With a new organizational chapter under PBO and a community that continues to show up, the McDaniel Tennis Tournament enters its third decade grounded in the same idea that started it all: using tennis to open doors, on and off the court.

Photos by Laura Perdomo