Day four of the AEGON Classic and the rain tried to threaten today’s proceedings but it mostly stayed dry which enabled matches to resume on courts 1, 2, 3 and 4. It was however quite chilly as a strong wind was howling through the Warwickshire LTA tent which called for several coffee runs to keep us all nice and warm. It was great to hear that Ann Keothavong was safely through to the next round having played late on in the previous evening, hopefully Laura Robson could carry on the good form from the British Ladies.
With the Secondary School SLAMS Zone concluding yesterday the focus today was on the Highland Springs Mini Tennis Zone and the Warwickshire Special Schools tournament that was being held later today. I managed to catch up with one of the primary schools today so I could add their views and stories to Thursday’s blog:
Haslucks Green School from Solihull, West Midlands attended the Highland Spring Mini Tennis Hot Shots Zone at the AEGON Classic with 28 pupils. After an early 8.30am start and their coach driver getting slightly lost on the busy streets of Birmingham they eventually made it to the Edgbaston Priory Club raring to get on court and watch some top class ladies tennis.
Lorna Cooper, teacher from Hasluck Green School also had a great time at the AEGON Classic today along with the 28 pupils she brought along from her school. Lorna commented "Before today only a few of our pupils had ever played tennis, now all have experienced the sport. It was great to see all 28 of our kids really enjoying themselves and as you can see they are still chatting about it now after they have come off court and having a spot of lunch".
I also asked some of the pupils from the school to sum up their tennis experience in one word. It was great to hear them say things like "amazing", "fun" and "Brilliant" to explain their on court experience. I'm sure Haslucks Green School will be back here at the Edgbaston Priory Club next year for The AEGON Classic 2011!
It was also nice to see everyone enjoying themselves during the Special Schools Tournament. The standard of tennis was really good and it was great to see so many smiling faces on court despite the difficult cold and windy conditions. The tournament was eventually won by Corley School with Selly Oak School coming second, congratulations to them both and to all who entered with a big thank you to the Tennis Leaders from Kineton High School for helping out with the scoring and setting up of the mini orange tennis courts.
That was about that for Day 4’s (Thursday) action, the only bad news I herd today was that unfortunately Laura Robson was knocked out the singles despite a great effort but hopefully she can do better in the doubles later this week.
To see photos from todays action please click here.