Serena Williams failed America by losing the U.S. Open to an unranked Italian. But American Wall Streeters refused to be shamed by Europeans. Last weekend they hosted their own tennis tournament.
The first annual Finance Cup pitted Team Wall Street against Team Europe in a different version of a Grand Slam event, reports Business Insider. London-based portfolio manager David Anving and New York-based investment banker Jeffrey Appel organized the event, which took place on Randall’s Island.
Financiers slammed balls, grunting like a Williams sister, running like Roger Federer, and sweating like the players at the U.S. Open nearby. Wall Street beat Europe after three rounds, winning 8-1. Pershing Square Capital’s Bill Ackman secured an American victory in his epic battle against Cevian Capital’s Christer Gardell.
Competition was fierce. Credit Suisse’s Mario Ancic was once ranked number 7 for men’s singles globally, once beating Federer. Ludovic Walter, an associate at Cohen partners in London, was once the top player at Duke. Walter’s doubles partner Alexander Hartman, formerly of Goldman Sachs, used to be number one at Ole Miss. Thomas Blake, of Jaffe Tilchin Investment Partners, was the top player at Harvard during his day.
The finance world brought out a number of other American and global champs to compete for the honor and glory. Rumor has it a second tournament will be hosted in London next year. Start practicing now.
Photo: PughPugh