Northampton teenager enjoys ‘amazing’ experience playing on Wimbledon’s famous grass courts
A 13-year-old Northampton tennis player enjoyed an “amazing” experience after earning the chance to compete on the famous grass courts at Wimbledon.
Dallington Lawn Tennis Club player Reuben Gray featured in the national finals of Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, Britain’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition.
Thousands of players took part in qualifying stages across the country this year, leading to county and regional finals in June and July, with the winners progressing to the national finals on Wimbledon’s Aorangi Courts.
Reuben competed in the 14&U boys’ singles competition after securing his place at SW19.
He said: “I love the courts and the whole experience is really good. It was amazing to qualify - I was playing my friend as well so it was a nice match, a nice way to win.”
Fellow Dallington Lawn Tennis Club player Mia Wilson, 13, from Wellingborough, also reached the national finals and competed in the 14&U girls’ singles tournament.
Mia, who attends Sir Christopher Hatton Academy, said: “I’m very excited to be here at Wimbledon. I qualified through the county finals and I was really happy at that moment.
“I played this event last year too, which was fun. It’s nice being here two years in a row because you know where everything is and you feel a bit more experienced.”
Neither youngster reached the final, but both enjoyed the experience of competing at Wimbledon.
The event, held from August 2 to 8, gives recreational players of different ages and abilities the opportunity to compete on Wimbledon’s acclaimed grass courts less than a month after The Championships.
Participants also received a tour of the grounds, observed Wimbledon’s all-white dress code and used the official player facilities.
Last year more than 11,000 players entered the competition, with more than 780 venues hosting initial stages and 340 players reaching the national finals.
Players begin by competing locally at their club, park or school before potentially progressing through county and area competitions to Wimbledon.
Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition. It is part of Vodafone’s ongoing commitment as Official Connectivity Partner to The Championships, to connect more people with the sports and events they love, while supporting grassroots tennis and making the sport more accessible to players of all ages and abilities.