Asda Athletes

Last weekend I was involved in an ASDA in-store fundraiser in order to support me in my international travels. I was supported by friends and family who joined in. It was a really successful day and everyone was so generous and supportive of my tennis. Feet were tired from a hard day of standing, don’t know how the ASDA colleagues do it! However would love to do it again :)

Thanks to Brenda my ASDA co-ordinator featured in the picture!

Just thought I’d do an update on my season, as starting a new one now. Ended the year number 1 in the UK U16, due to some good results including, U16 UK Winter Nationals champion, finalist U16 National Grand Prix finals.

I also achieved number 2 in UK U18s in the winter, I was finalist of the U18 National Grand Prix.

I also managed to improve my International ranking from 1000+ to around 550. I reached the semi final of an international event in Nottingham, ad also final of a doubles international event in France.

Looking forward to the new season!

Visited a local primary school during a P.E lesson with Brenda, my Asda representative, to help promote tennis and Asda in the community.

It was a really fun day and good to see all the kids enthusiastic about tennis and hopefully sent them away wanting to play!

Finished all exams, and looking forward to my summer tournament schedule :) First off is Nottingham with a women’s event, then up to ‘sunny’ Scotland for an international.

I’ll keep the blog updated when off on my travels!

Took part in the Asda car boot sale on Easter Weekend and successfully managed to add to my tennis funds which is great! Looking forward to working with Brenda, my Community Colleague again on the next event in the summer :)

Also just come back from a camp at the National Tennis Centre which was hard work, including runs at 6.30!! However minus the ice baths was good fun and learnt a lot!

Now entering a fitness block as i’ve got GCSE’s for couple of weeks, then summer will be packed with tournaments!

I just got back from a two week trip to Kenya to play two international U18 tournaments. I was travelling with some other players from where I train. After a 9 hour flight we arrived in Mombasa where the first tournament was held. It took me a while to get used to the heat and humidity! Our air conditioning on the first night was broken so was a very uncomfortable night but we managed to eventually get it fixed!

It was my first time to Africa and could already see a lot of poverty within the city. I already burned in the first few days and was drinking ridiculous amounts of water! I won my first round then lost to a Belgian seed in a tough match. However I won the doubles event which was great and we got a nice trophy and managed to pick up some points :)

We then flew to Nairobi which is the capital of Kenya. It was much more developed than Mombasa and the weather was a little cooler as we were at altitude. The court surface changed to clay, however not the same clay as we imagined. They were not in great condition and we realised how lucky we were in England with facilities!
I won my first round against a seeded German then came across a seeded Ukrainian. It was a tight match and narrowly lost. I was a little disappointed as I knew I could have won. However I came away with lots to learn and things to work on in my game. I gained more points which will improve my international ranking, which is what I’m working towards.

The experience was one I’ll never forget and it has helped me realise what I need to do to improve my game and that it’s just small things which make the difference.

Also I had a great winter winning a top national tournament and getting to two finals of others. This has improved my UK ranking. I am now currently ranked no.2 in both under 16s and 18s :)

Was really chuffed to have received ASDA athlete sponsorship again and am looking forward to the workshop!