Follow Ellis's story to the HSBC Road to Wimbledon
Ellie is 11 years old, a member of the GB national squad (she has participated in both 11U and 12U GB camps since November 2016) and a proud member of the Essex squad.
Ellie won the Essex Road To Wimbledon 14U Girls County Tournament held at Redbridge on 8th July, qualifying to play in the National Finals at Wimbledon which were held from 14-19 August.
We arrived at AELTC on Sunday 13th for Ellie's warm up session not really knowing what to expect and we were immediately blown away by the quality of this tournament and how special each and every child is made to feel. The full Wimbledon experience ensued with gifts, a Wimbledon pass, a food allowance each day, tours of the ground and the museum and a player's dinner and party (without parents) which I think was Ellie's favourite part of the week.
Ellie managed to get to grips with the grass quite quickly having not played on the surface before. She played a nervy opening match on Monday which she won but didn't do herself justice. After that she settled into her stride comfortably winning her 2nd match on Monday and then winning her final match in her round robin box on Tuesday. Tuesday's match was against the number 1 seed for the tournament - Julia Smith - who was 3 years older. Now for the main draw on Wednesday! Tough round 1 match won against Kate Mansfield who had recently beaten Ellie in another tournament, then a round 2 win against the 5th seed and also a doubles win (all 3 matches played on Weds). Ellie's legs starting to get heavy! QF on Thursday saw Ellie beat the number 4 seed, but lose in the doubles and then the number 2 seed was dispatched on Friday in the SF. Finals day yesterday was a very nervy affair against the number 2 seed, Eloise Yates, but Ellie managed to win ugly and has won the title of Road To Wimbledon 14U County National Champion.
Ellie definitely had to do it the hard way - not a single bye during the week and beating seeds 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, all of who were 13 or 14 years old. Ellie didn't drop a set and we were told by the organisers that she is the youngest player ever to win the tournament in its 15 year history.
We are incredibly proud of all that Ellie has achieved in her tennis journey so far and this achievement in particular is very special. Ellie (actually the entire family, especially Gary and I and also Ellie's grandparents, Karen & Mac who drive Ellie all over the country) are very dedicated and committed to tennis, training 5-6 days each week and balancing this with seeming ease with her studies at school (at Elm Green for the last 7 years and at New Hall from next month). The win at Wimbledon has made all of her efforts worthwhile and the Wimbledon experience is giving Ellie the motivation to continue working hard, trying to improve and to fulfil her dream of continuing to place tennis at the highest level.
A special mention must go to Ellie's coaches - Michael Biggs from David Lloyd Basildon and now Alastair Filmer from Bromley Tennis Centre in Kent - who have worked tirelessly to support Ellie and help her to improve.