Ace prospects face best at Wimbledon
Two Bath tennis stars will not forget their outing at the All England Club in a hurry despite missing out on lifting the trophy at the Road to Wimbledon National 14 & Under Challenge Finals. After triumphing at the previous regional finals, Holly Bryan and J’quon Duvall-richards took to the famous grass courts last week looking to be crowned national champion. And while unable to better British number one Andy Murray in getting her hands on a title at Wimbledon this year, Bryan, 14, insists it has only fuelled her desire to come back to the iconic venue again to play one day. “It’s a really good experience and it’s so different to play on the grass – it’s so different to anywhere I’ve played before,” said Bryan,. “It was incredibly exciting when I hit my first shot and it was a real pleasure to play. “I’ve come to Wimbledon for eight or nine years to watch as a fan, so it’s inspiring to get to visit as a player. “I do other sports as well as tennis – ice-skating, hockey, gymnastics, netball, swimming – so I hope I can carry those on as well.” Richards who, like Bryan, exited the tournament the group stage, said: “It means a lot to get to Wimbledon because there were loads of good players there and it’s all about proving yourself in the environment. “I played well in the regional finals and trained hard so I think I deserve it. “It feels good to represent Avon, I’m just trying to please people and please myself as well.” The Road to Wimbledon began in 2002 and expanded initially to India in 2014 – it has since added qualifying events in China, Hong Kong, India and Japan. Juniors participate in the UK in England, Scotland and Wales, starting in their club, park or school, with players qualifying for the county finals and then to National Finals. Each year over 10,000 youngsters take part in the series of national tennis tournaments, helping to inspire the next generation of Wimbledon stars. Former British number one Tim Henman was also in attendance for Saturday’s finals day and he admitted he had been impressed with what he had seen. “This event has been taking place for 15 years and the kids that come to Wimbledon make some amazing memories” said Henman. “The Championships is the biggest and best tournament in the world, so giving people the opportunity to experience the facilities and the grass is special. “The standard is getting better all the time - when we first started it was about participation but as the event has grown, we’ve attracted some really top quality players.” The All England Club Wimbledon and the LTA are fully committed to giving opportunities for14 & under juniors of all standards to compete Nationwide in the Road to Wimbledon via firstly their club, park or school and to have the incentive to qualify to play in the National Finals on grass at Wimbledon.