Henley players compete on Wimbledon’s grass courts

HENLEY Tennis Club players have had an unforgettable summer after they competed on the grass courts of Wimbledon as part of the LTA Play Your Way to Wimbledon competition — the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis event.

The programme, delivered by the LTA in partnership with the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the Wimbledon Foundation, gives thousands of recreational players the chance to follow in the footsteps of tennis legends. Starting with local club competitions, successful players progress through county stages and ultimately to the national finals held at SW19.

This summer, Henley hosted its own qualifying rounds, which also served as the first social event of the club’s summer calendar.

More than 65 members and guests took part in an evening of tennis with winners progressing to the Oxfordshire county round.

The men’s doubles winners, Michael Whorrell and Matthew Hallam, went on to triumph at the county stage, securing their place in the national finals at Wimbledon. There, they were drawn into one of eight round-robin groups, each featuring three pairs, with group winners advancing to the quarter-finals.

Whorrell and Hallam battled to a 5-7, 7-5, 10-5 deciding tie-break win against a Scottish duo before a 6-3, 6-4 defeat to a strong Yorkshire pair left them second in their group.

As part of their visit, they played on the famous Aorangi grass courts — the practice courts used by professionals during the Championships — and enjoyed a tour of the Wimbledon grounds, including Centre Court and the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Speaking after the event, Hallam said: “It’s been a fantastic experience to play on the grass courts of Aorangi and enjoy the whole atmosphere of Wimbledon.

“The grounds and courts are beautiful, the sun has shone, everyone has been fabulously welcoming, and we’ve enjoyed the tennis. We’re grateful to Henley Tennis Club for entering us and hope to be back next year.”

Whorrell added: “It’s been such a great experience to play at Wimbledon. I feel very lucky to have had the chance and I’ve loved being here.

“My parents and girlfriend were able to come and watch me, which made it even more special.”

Meanwhile junior boys’ singles winner Sebastian Sheldon, after finishing runner-up at the regional stage, was invited to a training session at Wimbledon. The session was led by Dan Bloxham, with a special guest appearance from Great Britain Davis Cup captain Leon Smith.

Sheldon had the rare opportunity to train in the inspirational surroundings of the All England Club, learning from top-level coaches and brushing shoulders with some of the sport’s leading figures.

Henley’s head coach Tom Scott said the players’ success was a proud moment for the club. He said: “To see our members competing at Wimbledon is fantastic. It’s a real testament to their hard work and the opportunities this LTA initiative provides.

“The atmosphere at our own club round was amazing, and seeing that lead to national-level experiences for our players is incredibly rewarding.”