A TALENTED Widnes tennis star competed in national finals of junior tournament held at the iconic Wimbledon courts.

Abi Redman, under 18s finalist, could still smell the sweet remnants of Djokovic’s victory as she battled for a winning title at nationwide tournament, ‘Play your way to Wimbledon’.

The 15-year-old described it to be an ‘unforgettable experience’ after winning the Girls’ Doubles final alongside partner, Eva Senior last Saturday.

Abi, a student at Wade Deacon High School in Widnes, detailed her amazement and admiration at being able to share the same courts that have seen the likes of world class tennis legends.

She said: “The courts are amazing, playing in the same place that the pros have played is amazing and the grass is definitely my favourite surface. The organisation is amazing - it feels like a professional tournament. It’s well organised.”

As well as competing in the tournament, which is the largest of its kind for participants in the UK, the youngsters were treated to a tennis ‘masterclass’ by former British number one, Tim Henman and Olympic medallist Laura Robson.

Redman described the proud moment her and partner Senior won the doubles final, saying: “It feels amazing. This is what I wanted to happen when I came into this tournament.”

She added: “I think me, and Eva play quite well together so obviously it’s even better to win. It feels amazing!”

The exciting event, sponsored by Vodaphone, looks to ‘inspire the next generation of tennis talent’.

First beginning in 2002, the then named ‘Road To Wimbledon’ invites 18 and under players to compete all over the country with more than 10,000 playing opportunities across the 800 venues.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

The tournament is set to expand further in 2023 by opening the floor to additional age groups and disability categories.

Tim Henman was in attendance of the tournament to watch the budding talent of the country compete and offer his own advice to the players.

He said: "My involvement goes way back to when this first started in 2002 and really using Wimbledon as the character to inspire the next generation.

"Now the partnership with Vodafone means Play Your Way to Wimbledon really speaks about encouraging that next generation and giving them that access and opportunity.

He added: "The standard seems like it gets better and better every year, and you think about the competition starting in local areas, thousands of kids participating and then the best ones coming through to Wimbledon.

"It's a great environment to see the enthusiasm and energy of all the kids and I think it's been a fantastic week and this is a great way to round it up."