Meonstoke’s Ethan Carter had an unforgettable experience playing on Wimbledon’s iconic grass courts last week.
The 17-year-old, who attends Barton Peveril Sixth Form College and represents Swanmore Lawn Tennis Club, participated in the national finals of the “Play Your Way to Wimbledon” event, sponsored by Vodafone. This is the largest individual mass participation tennis competition in the UK.
Thousands of players entered the competition this year, which included county and regional finals held in June and July. The top players from these stages advanced to the national finals at Wimbledon’s Aorangi Courts.
Carter, who looks up to tennis stars Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, described his Wimbledon experience as unforgettable. He expressed his excitement about playing on the same courts as his idols.
“I’m glad I adapted well to the grass courts quickly,” Carter said. “I don’t usually play on grass, so this was a great experience. It was nice to hit with people I’m close to and just an overall enjoyable experience.”
Carter had visited Wimbledon twice before as a spectator. This time, he had the chance to use the same facilities as top players, which he found inspiring.
“I learned a lot from Andy Murray about mental strength and hope to follow in his footsteps,” Carter added.
The “Play Your Way to Wimbledon” event aims to inspire young players by giving them the chance to compete on Wimbledon’s famous courts. Previously known as the Road to Wimbledon, the competition is supported by Vodafone, the LTA, and the All England Club to promote grassroots tennis in the UK.
This year’s finals are the largest ever, featuring a junior wheelchair pathway and exhibitions of para standing and deaf tennis. The competition also introduced qualifying rounds for three disability categories: Visual Impairment, Learning Disability, and Wheelchair tennis, as well as an Adult Doubles pathway.
Former British No.1 Tim Henman, a Vodafone Ambassador, attended the event and praised the competition. “Play Your Way to Wimbledon is an incredible opportunity for people from all walks of life to get involved in tennis. It’s wonderful to see so many players participating,” he said.
Laura Robson, also a former British No.1 and Vodafone Ambassador, led a coaching clinic with the All England Club’s Head Coach Dan Bloxham. The clinic provided players who missed the national finals with a chance to experience grass court play.
“The coaching clinic is so much fun. The kids work hard and have smiles on their faces the entire time,” Robson said. “It’s a highlight of the year for many, and being on the courts as they were during the main tournament makes it even more special.”
“Play Your Way to Wimbledon,” powered by Vodafone, remains the UK’s largest mass participation tennis competition, offering recreational players of all ages and abilities the chance to compete at Wimbledon. The event will continue to expand in 2024, thanks to the partnership between Vodafone, the All England Club, and the LTA.
