Jordanne Whiley is getting used to collecting major honours. To go alongside her five Grand Slam doubles titles she now has an MBE to add to her name having been named in the Birthday Honours list. Awarded for services to wheelchair tennis Jordanne spoke to the Tennis Foundation about her new honour.
Congratulations on being awarded an MBE, you must be delighted!
Thank you, I’m speechless really. I was a bit confused when I first got the letter and couldn’t work out if I’d been awarded it or not so had to double check, then I’ve had to keep is a secret but I’m delighted!
What do you think your award will do for the sport?
It’s great that wheelchair tennis has been recognised in this way and I’ve been recognised for my achievements. Hopefully it will help raise the profile of the sport and also generate more media coverage for us which then translates to more people seeing the sport, coming to tournaments, bigger crowds and the sport growing.
You’re seen as a role model for a lot of young people, how does that feel?
I like being a role model; I have quite strong views on the definition of a ‘role model’. I think it’s important that role models have flaws and aren’t perfect because then people can actually look up to you and relate to you. You have to have a human side to be a role model and I feel like I have that, I’m not perfect and with hard work what I’ve achieved is attainable for people and hopefully that inspires them.
You’re also a role model for a lot of women in particular and for those what also have a disability…
I meet a lot of people who have a disability, sometimes the same disability as me and they think they can’t play tennis or are restricted in life because of their disability, but hopefully I can show them that they can live their life how they want to. I can be quite direct when I meet people because I feel that sometimes people just need to give things a try – I’m disabled but look at me and look what I’ve achieved.
What do you want to see for wheelchair tennis in the future?
I want to see the sport growing and also the appreciation of the sport growing. Hopefully we can start to become household names and people want to come and watch us play. Often people aren’t even aware that wheelchair tennis is happening or if it’s on the red button during Wimbledon. During Wimbledon it’s a great opportunity for British players to get some spotlight and gain some appreciation as world class athletes.
Who has supported you throughout you career, is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I’ve had so much support throughout my career, my parents have been incredible, the Tennis Foundation and Geraint Richards who is Head of Disability Player Performance there has been a really big support to me throughout my career. Also UK Sport through National Lottery funding and Living Tennis, who I’ve been working with more recently and coached me at the US Open last year when I completed the calendar Grand Slam, and when I won the Australian Open doubles in January this year.
British wheelchair tennis appears stronger than ever, how is the team spirit in the squad?
We’re a really tight unit and get on really well. We all support each other and hopefully this award can serve as inspiration to the junior players and the up and coming players in the squad and also to those who are thinking about taking up the sport. We’ve won plenty of medals as a GB team at recent World Team Cups (our equivalent of the Davis and Fed Cups) and last year Brits won 80 titles on the Uniqlo Wheelchair Tennis Tour – more than any other country!
Finally, the Tennis Foundation’s Chairman Jonathan Lane joins you in today’s Honours list with an OBE for services to sport and the arts, do you have any words of congratulations for him?
Jonathan has been really supportive of me throughout my career, right from the early stages before I had won any Grand Slams so I’m delighted that he’s been recognised as well.
You can watch Jordanne in action at the following events in Great Britain this year:
Wimbledon 10 - 12 July
British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships, Nottingham14 - 19 July
NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters, London 25 - 29 November
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