Wimbledon Star Lucy Shuker Visits Chiswick

Inspires young locals prior to her appearance on court today

British wheelchair tennis Number One Lucy Shuker paid a visit to Dukes Meadows tennis centre earlier this week ahead of her Wimbledon appearance.

Lucy, who recently returned with Gold as part of the GB Junior team for the 2013 BNP Paribas World Team cup in Turkey, starts her Wimbledon campaign today ( July 5). She took time out to share tips with rising junior star Esperanza merry at Dukes Meadows tennis centre in Chiswick.

A former Hampshire County badminton player, Lucy was injured in a motorbike accident at the age of 21 and was introduced to wheelchair tennis whilst at Salisbury Spinal Unit. She has been the British No. 1 for the last six years.

At age 11 Esperanza, who had won 42 tournaments playing tennis across the UK, France and the USA, contracted a rare infection in her right hip that was complicated by septicaemia, which unfortunately left her unable to walk unsupported. Her fighting nature and determination to continue her tennis dreams. She met Lucy last year and the tennis star has been a source of inspiration to the young girl.

Esperanza’s talent has been recognised by the Tennis Foundation and she recently became a member of the Tennis Foundation’s Wheelchair Tennis Performance Programme.

Lucy Shuker said:“Esperanza has great courage and commitment to Wheelchair tennis. Her progress since she moved into her chair has been very natural and I am sure she has a great future ahead of her. It will be great for her to see the amazing standard of Wheelchair tennis that will be on show at Wimbledon and if she keeps working hard then one day she may well get her shot at the All England.”

Esperanza Merry added: “It has been great meeting Lucy again at Dukes Meadows. Lucy has been a huge inspiration for me since I decided to take up Wheelchair tennis and I hope one day I can also get the chance to play at Wimbledon.”

James Lenton, Director of Dukes Meadows’ FC** Tennis Academy where Esperanza previously trained said: “I think Esperanza is so inspirational to our kids at the FC** Tennis Academy – to be tackling the challenges she’s had at 12-years-old and be dealing with it in the positive way she has, that’s a lesson for anyone! What a great role model.”

July 5, 2013