ONE of my favourite tournaments of the year is the ‘Road to Wimbledon’, a competition that starts in all good UK tennis clubs.

The competition is open to players under 14 who play singles, 18 and under that play doubles and this year 18 and over (adult) doubles.

Wadebridge Tennis Club hosted all categories over the Easter break and the winners in each category advanced to the county finals to play other club winners.

Launceston Tennis Club and Launceston College duo Mary Shanks and Emily Strawbridge were the club winners at Wadebridge in the 18 and under doubles, and then were successful at the county finals, meaning they will now be playing at Wimbledon in August.

On behalf of myself, Launceston Tennis Club and everyone in Cornish tennis, I would like to wish Mary and Emily every success in the 18 and under national finals at Wimbledon.

Mary and Emily will be walking in to SW19 where just a short time ago the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Emma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek were lighting up the grass courts of Wimbledon.

To finish the summer term, the termly fixture for the Launceston Cup was played at Launceston College between Launceston College and St Joseph’s School.

Six singles matches and three doubles matches were played with St Joseph’s taking the honours, 6-3.

The winning team consisted of Charlie Thorpe, EJ Biggadike, Molly Hobbs, Will Savage, Millie Gray Brown and Isaac Wrigley.

I hope Wimbledon has once again inspired you to pick up a tennis racket and head to a court to give the game a go.

If you are interested in getting involved at Launceston Tennis Club or would like to know what coaching opportunities there are, please email [email protected]