Lucy has won the Under 18 singles title at the Lexus Wheelchair Tennis National Finals at The Shrewsbury Club, with straight sets wins over Ellen T and Imogen A-R.
Lucy’s mother, Helga, told this week’s Norfolk Tennis News bulletin, “Her and Ellen have faced off quite a few times at regional and ITF tournaments and the win rate had been slightly in Ellen’s favour.
“In the singles match, Lucy started nervously and was 0-4 down, but she found this quiet inner focus and dug deep to come back and win on the tie-break. In the second set, her confidence grew. It was only when she came off court and realised this could mean the title that her emotions came out. Playing Imogen was a fun match for them both, with great sportsmanship shown, which is really important to Lucy.”
Fiona Jones, Chair of Shropshire Tennis, and Matt Grover, the LTA Wheelchair Talent Pathway Manager and Tournament Director, presented the trophies.
Lucy was also runner-up with 2023 singles titlist Naomie T in the doubles competition, losing 3-6, 6-0, 10-8 to Lilly F and Tracy V at the four-day round-robin event.
“Lucy really enjoyed playing doubles with an experienced female player and hopes she will get to partner her again,” added Helga. “Naomi was nursing a cold and Lucy recovering from a fall during her consolation women's match against Ellen, but they managed to secure the win to be runners up. In their match the day before, they narrowly missed out on the tie-break.”
With growing confidence, Lucy says her most improved shot this year is her serve, but her mother thinkls "the more court time she has, all shots are improving and changing."
“Lucy is aiming to remain on the LTA’s Wheelchair U14 National Age Group Programme (NAGP) and play more ITF matches in Europe,” said Helga. “She ended 2024 at No. 22 and will be aiming for Top 10 next year. She is currently the youngest girl (age 11) competing on ITF Tour.”
