Sports

Basking Ridge Junior Wimbledon Tennis Champ Honored By Township, NJ Governor

Samir Banerjee of Basking Ridge won first-place at the Wimbledon 2021 Boys' Singles on July 11.

Bernards Township Mayor Janice Fields presenting Samir Banerjee with a resolution recognizing Samir Banerjee on his first-place win at the Wimbledon 2021 Boys’ Singles on July 11.
Bernards Township Mayor Janice Fields presenting Samir Banerjee with a resolution recognizing Samir Banerjee on his first-place win at the Wimbledon 2021 Boys’ Singles on July 11. (Courtesy of Pat Monaco, Twp. Administrator)

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Basking Ridge Junior Wimbledon Tennis Champ Samir Banerjee was honored by the township committee and New Jersey Governor, Senate and Assembly.

"Samir's win came as a shock to the tennis world but those who have watched him practice and play on our courts is not about being shocked it is all about a young man who has taken his talent and refined it into becoming a world-class athlete over the past several years," said Bernards Township Mayor Janice Fields.

The Bernards Township Committee presented Banerjee with a resolution recognizing Banerjee's first-place win at the Wimbledon 2021 Boys’ Singles on July 11. He was the first American in six years to win that Junior Wimbledon Championship.

Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"While next year we will find you studying at Columbia [University], know that you carry our pride and support with you no matter where you go," said Fields.

"Take exactly what you have done to date and put that toward anything and everything in your life and the sky is the limit. You can do anything if you put your mind to it," said Committeeman James Baldassare.

Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

A letter from Governor Phil Murphy was also read to Banerjee.

"Your commitment to the sport of tennis, as well as your demonstrated hard work, athletic prowess and discipline, is to be admired. I applaud you for your amazing performance and steadfast dedication," said Murphy.

A letter from U.S. Senator Corey Booker was also read along with a presentation of a joint resolution from the Senate and Assembly was presented during the meeting by Senator Tom Kean and Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz.

"It says in sum that New Jersey is a far, far better place because of your passion and dedication, your perseverance, your willingness to achieve, and the inspiration you have provided for so many families across this state and across the globe," said Kean.


Banerjee, a Ridge High School student started playing tennis at the age of six. He is currently ranked 2nd in the Junior International Tennis Federation.

During the Wimbledon 2021 Boys’ Singles, Banerjee competed against three other talented competitors from across the world, winning 17 of his 19 approach shots in the championship final.

Watch Banjeree's winning shot below:


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