Tim Lovejoy Takes on Tennis Challenge
Chiswick based TV presenter to play doubles at the Royal Albert Hall
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Chiswick-based TV presenter Tim Lovejoy is ready to serve up his big moment at the Royal Albert Hall.
He is set to play a special doubles match at the 2011 AEGON Masters Tennis on the same bill as John McEnroe, Tim Henman, Pat Cash and Goran Ivanisevic.
“It’s going to be an amazing experience,” says former tennis novice Tim, who co-hosts BBC2’s Something For The Weekend with Louise Redknapp.
Tim has been training since the summer at Chiswick Poly Tennis, the local community club on the University of Westminster Sports Ground in Hartington Road.
He is one of four famous faces taking part in the Lawn Tennis Association’s allplay challenge to encourage others to take up the game.
Tim and breakfast TV host Lorraine Kelly have been paired to take on Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis and TV and radio presenter Jamie Theakston on Thursday Dec 1.
“I’m more excited than nervous about playing there in front of all those people,” he says after hitting a series of backhands over the net.
“As a kid I never played tennis at school or at a club. I just mucked around a couple of times with mates on park courts. So I wasn’t a tennis player before this.”
He has been guided in his tennis challenge by LTA coach Pete Griffiths, with both putting in many hours on court.
Tim at Chiswick Poly Tennis
“I absolutely love it and I wish I’d started when I was much younger,” smiles Tim, who has lived in W4 for several years.
“The Chiswick Poly Tennis courts are fantastic in lovely surroundings. I had no idea they were here on such a beautiful sports site.”
Chelsea fan Tim presented Sky’s Soccer AM show with Helen Chamberlain for 11 years and recently took part in Celebrity Masterchef 2011.
“I really enjoy watching and playing football but tennis is a great individual sport. It’s just you versus the opposition. There’s no place to hide. It’s also really good exercise.”
His nine-year-old twin daughters Grace and Rose are just as keen. “Pete has given them a couple of lessons and they already think they’re brilliant at it!”
Tim perfects his backhand
Tim is also a fan of life in our part of the world. “I like to think of Chiswick as a beautiful London village. It has everything, including Chiswick House and the river, and yet you’re so close to the heart of the city.”
November 27, 2011