Tim Henman holds court with Dudley aces
His first memory of Wimbledon was watching Tim Henman take part in some epic matches, so it was little surprise Dudley tennis player Mark Tanner was delighted to be reunited with his hero at the Jaguar Championships.
Tanner and David Lloyd Dudley team-mates Ed Bull, Charlotte Robbins and Faye Robbins descended on Raynes Park, taking part in the national final of the competition, writes Ross Lawson.
More than 1,600 players from 417 teams took part in this, the second year of the Jaguar Championships, a mixed-doubles event for adults in both improver and advanced categories.
An extra surprise was in store for the teams with none other than former British No.1 Henman watching on, while a prize of Wimbledon Centre Court tickets were up for grabs, plus the opportunity to drive Jaguar’s All-New F-PACE – World Car of the Year 2017 – for a weekend.
It was not to be for 35-year-old Tanner and David Lloyd Dudley in the seven-team advanced competition, but nothing could take away from the delight of meeting his tennis hero on the court.
“It was a very good day, it was a trek down to Raynes Park but it’s definitely worth it for the competition, there was a good challenge around,” he said.
“The standard in the final was much, much higher than the regionals, which was great to be a part of.
“I first started playing at 14, my dad took me to play when we were on holiday once and I nagged him from thereon to keep on playing with me, and then I joined a club which was very eye-opening in terms of what you know.
“My first memory of Wimbledon is watching Tim going through some five-set thrillers, begging him not to lose, and he’s been really great for British tennis.
“As an ambassador for the sport he’s fantastic, it was great for him to come down and support the day and everyone was really appreciative of seeing him on the sidelines.”
Teams had to battle through club competitions and regional finals just to reach the national showcase, leaving the best of the best to show what they could do at David Lloyd Raynes Park.
And with a strong level of talent on display, Henman – a four-time Wimbledon semi-finallist – was more than impressed with what he saw from everyone taking part in the Jaguar Championships.
“I was here 12 months ago and it was good to see the finals take place, and for me this is a big step back in time,” said the former world No.4.
“I used to practice at Raynes Park when I was 12 as part of the David Lloyd
Academy, so 30 years on it’s quite frightening to see the time go but it’s great to be back.
“It’s all about accessibility and opportunity, and to see the teams out there really enjoying themselves and competing in a really good facility is a massive benefit to everyone.
“It’s great fun for them to be playing in a healthy and active sport and lifestyle, but also having that competitive element and getting more and more people to play the game.
“To have two different levels for people to compete in is a good sign, it shows that people are interested in the event and for this to be growing in just its second year is a real positive, something we can hopefully build on in the future.”
Tim Henman was speaking at The Jaguar Championships as part of Jaguar’s partnership with David Lloyd Clubs.
For further information visit http://www.jaguar.co.uk/jaguar-range/f-pace/index.html to find out more about the F-PACE, the Official Car of The Championships, Wimbledon
