Staddon on the road to Wimbledon

The “Road” allows players aged 14 and under the opportunity to progress to the national stage.  The opening rounds took place at local clubs earlier this year, with the winner going through to county qualifications. Having won at Exeter Tennis Centre, Emily defeated Beth Cooper 6-2, 6-1 in the semi final before overcoming Bethany Matthews by the same score in the Devon finals last weekend.

The national finals, taking place at Wimbledon on the All England Club’s grass courts from 11 – 17 August, will see 64 of the best players in the UK compete for the crown Road to Wimbledon champion. After such a positive start to her campaign, Emily is excited by the prospect of the next stage where she is hoping to “surprise a few” with her fast service game. She commented: “I’m really looking forward to the competition and hope to come away with a good result. I play quite an aggressive game with a big serve which should work well on the fast grass courts.”

A Westexe Technology College student, Emily has been playing tennis at Exeter Tennis Centre since the age of seven and is no stranger to national level events. Part of the National County Cup winning side at the tender age 10, she is a regular competitor for her county.

She added: “A family friend got me into tennis after saying I had good hand-eye coordination. I really enjoy competing at all levels. The camaraderie between the players is great and I have made a lot of friends on the court.”

Emily is coached by a number of Exeter Tennis Centre’s coaching team including Fed Cup coach Charlotte Wallace and Director of Tennis Will McNally. Will commented: “It is a fantastic time to be travelling to Wimbledon, with the nation in the grips of Murray fever. We are delighted with Emily’s performance.

“The experience of playing on grass in such an historic place will be a new challenge for her. I think her style of game will certainly suit the grass courts and I am confident that she can come home with the top level finish she deserves.”