Marren the man: First-ever Grenadier Guard to win British Army men's singles tennis title

Captain Sean Marren has been crowned this year's British Army men's tennis champion after he beat his rival Marco Wright in the final. 

Capt Marren cruised to this year's title with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over the 2024 champion Wright.

The win makes Capt Marren the first member of the Grenadier Guards to lift what is considered one of forces sports most prestigious prizes.

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His on-court triumph comes just 12 months on from having to withdraw midway through the 2025 final due to a knee injury. Marren was forced to concede to fellow finalist Warwok Rai, who took the title.

This time, Marren beat Rai en route to the final and the Grenadier Guards officer admitted this year's success was fuelled by his heartbreak in the previous tournament. 

He said: "I had a tough day here a year ago and I had to withdraw. It was very sad and frustrating to finish that way last year.

"I spent three months getting my knee back to 100% and I was very happy to come back this year and make it to the final and win, absolutely delighted."

On becoming the first member of his regiment to win the title, he added: "I was looking at the winners board, and there wasn't a single Grenadier Guards officer or soldier on there. So very happy to have my name and my regiment up on the board."

Meanwhile, Capt Marren no doubt had sympathy for Army teammate Captain Holly Fleming after she was forced to withdraw from the women's singles final with a back injury. That meant Signaller Faye Worrall, who was due to meet Capt Fleming in the final, was crowned champion for the first time. 

The focus for the Army players now switches to Wimbledon where they will face the best tennis players from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force in the Inter Services Championships. 2025 saw the Army crowned champions in both the men's and women's competitions.