Star Amy Qualifies For A Place At Wimbledon

TENNIS by Jackie Thorley

Basford starlet Amy Ellis will compete at Wimbledon in the national finals of an under-14 competition for the second year running. The 14-year-old Newcastle-under-Lyme School student secured a trip to the All England Club when she clinched the Staffordshire section of the Road to Wimbledon championships at Tipton. Seeded three, Ellis saw off Grace Baker 6-1, 6-2 (Wolverhampton) in the semi-final before going on to defeat Tipton's Elle Stokes 6-2, 6-7, 6-1 in the final. Her victory earned her a passage to the main draw at SW19 next month, where she will take on the best players from across Britain.

The opening round of the tournament is held annually at clubs throughout the country, with winners progressing to their county final. The champions - and some runners-up - are rewarded with a dream date on the Grand Slam courts. "Amy came second in last year's county final and went to Wimbledon as a lucky loser, so she's really pleased to have won it outright this time," said her mum, Gill. "She had a fantastic time last year. The organisers look after the players. It's so special to be able to play on the grass courts at Wimbledon, so she's really looking forward to going back again.

Meanwhile Congleton and Draycott player Alex Grocott was runner-up to Ashcon Rezazadeh in the Staffordshire boys' final and hopes to receive a call-up to join the South Staffs player in London.

Sentinel, 08 July 2008
Courtesy of The Sentinel News & Media