PERSHORE’S Naomi Tarver admits playing at Wimbledon was a dream come true as she came runner-up on the manicured lawns of SW19.

Tarver featured in the national finals at the Play Your Way to Wimbledon event, which took place from August 6-12.

Tarver finished second in the women’s wheelchair singles event and she reflected fondly on a memorable week in south-west London. 

“I would have preferred a winners’ trophy but a runners-up one is not bad,” she said. “I wish I could have kept those nerves in check and played a bit better but I’m happy overall, particularly [for my] first time on grass so that was special in itself. 

“I was here only a few weeks ago watching Alfie Hewitt in the final so to be here myself is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Worcester’s Maddie Walsh competed in the under-14s girls singles event in south-west London and she hopes the event will provide a springboard to even greater heights. 

She said: “I played quite well but it’s been a bit nerve-wracking. It’s really cool to be here.

“Playing here gives me the confidence I might be able to come back.”

The competition looks to inspire the next generation of tennis talent; allowing junior players to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and compete for a chance to play on Wimbledon’s iconic courts.

The competition launched in March and is delivered in partnership by the LTA, The All England Lawn Tennis Club, and Vodafone.

Former British No.1 Laura Robson was in attendance to cheer on the youngsters at SW19 and offer her experience and advice.

She said: "It’s just so cool to get the chance to play on these courts at Wimbledon. I still get a buzz every time I walk out there, so I can't imagine how they’re feeling.”

Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition that gives players an opportunity to follow in their heroes’ footsteps and compete at Wimbledon.

The All England Club and LTA are proud to partner with Vodafone to expand the competition to more players in 2023 with an Adult Doubles pathway, alongside Visual Impairment, Learning Disability and Wheelchair tennis categories.