Lucy Cunliffe was the winner of the Lancashire County Road to Wimbledon event and as such, secured her place at the All England Club to play against other talented youngsters from all across the Country, on the courts of Wimbledon. Here she shares her experiences.
My Wonderful Week at Wimbledon – By Lucy Cunliffe.
My trip to Wimbledon was honestly a dream come true! From the tournament desk signing in, to the final match and taking home your name plate, I can’t think of a better week!
First a welcome pack containing a towel and watch, it was a lovely surprise and it was a good souvenir to take home with you. Then receiving your player ID and money per day, it was as if you were a professional player! It felt like you were an exclusive guest, as you could go to places that you don’t see on TV, like the changing rooms and player resting areas. In the players’ restaurant the chefs made food on the spot for you! The food was delicious too, and they even made me a gluten free meal!
I knew 2 players at the tournament from different counties so I wasn’t on my own, and it was fun getting together and sharing experiences at the players’ party, held at Centre Court. Everyone was so supportive and nice, I even met some overseas players from India and Hong Kong!
Stepping onto the grass courts just for a warm up was a nervous and strange feeling, knowing that some of my idols have played on those courts too! People like Johanna Konta and Serena Williams.
That feeling didn’t go away on match days either. I worked hard and it paid off – I won 2 out of 3 matches in my box, I was ecstatic to have won matches at Wimbledon! It was an amazing feeling knowing that I was through to the main draw, and into the last 24!
I finished the best week ever with a doubles match, partnering with a Cheshire player. We played well and had fun!
Having this experience and playing on the courts was a dream come true!
It was the best week of my entire life!
