Current GB No.1
Career best ranking of World No.5 in Singles and World No.3 in Doubles
Double Paralympic Medallist
Former World Doubles Champion
Three times Wimbledon Finalist
World Team Cup Medallist
Lucy started playing Wheelchair Tennis in 2002 following a motorbike accident which left her paralysed from the chest down. She has since gone on to represent Great Britain at three successive Paralympics; Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016. Lucy made history at the London 2012 Paralympics alongside fellow Brit Jordanne Whiley when the pair became the first women to win a medal for Great Britain in wheelchair tennis, coming from match point down to secure Bronze in the women’s doubles event. Lucy and Jordanne retained their Bronze medal status at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.
Lucy is an inspiration. As a T4 Paraplegic many considered her injury too profound to find success in wheelchair tennis, however this has only ever motivated Lucy further, and as one of the most disabled women on tour, Lucy continues to find success amongst the top players in the game. With her sights now firmly set on more success in Tokyo, Lucy will aim to represent Great Britain at a fourth consecutive Paralympic Games.
Lucy’s Top Tips for the Championships
It’s the oldest and most prestigious tennis competition in the calendar and as a wheelchair tennis player, it is always an incredible honour to have the opportunity to play at the famous London grounds. I feel incredibly proud to have been a three times doubles finalist there. Of course, I am still working towards the elusive Grand Slam title and hope that the hard work I am putting in now will keep me in contention..
Here are my top tips:
Where to Stay
For the past two years, and again this year, I’ve chosen Airbnb for accommodation during the tournament. As a wheelchair user, I had reservations as to whether the properties I booked would be suitable, however using the new accessibility filters makes it far easier to find a property that fits my specific needs, such as step free access and a sizeable bathroom. I usually stay in homes on Airbnb in and around Wandsworth, which is only a short journey to the All England Club, making transport much easier than staying in central London.
Tickets
For those not lucky enough to get tickets through the ballot system, the only tickets available for legitimate resale are ‘debenture holder tickets’. You can purchase Debenture Tickets direct from registered Debenture Ticket Holders which will give you access to the exclusive Debenture Lounges on Centre Court and No. 1 Court for a truly unique tennis experience. Alternatively, there are a number of tickets available on the gates each day for those willing to queue.
Transport
When my friends and family come to watch, they generally use tubes, trains or buses and this is the easiest method of transport. The nearest tube stations are Southfields (District Line) and Wimbledon (District Line and MainLine). I’d also recommend the shuttle bus service that operates from Wimbledon to the All England Ground but be warned, it is a cash only service!
On the Day
To make the most of any day at the tournament, I would suggest arriving as soon as the gates open at 10:30am. There is so much to see and do, even in the later stages of the competition, where the outside courts show an array of action, including Junior, Legends and Wheelchair tennis matches.
Food & Drink
There’s plenty of food and drink choices in the grounds, from The Wingfield Restaurant situated within Centre Court, to gourmet sandwiches and homemade salads from one of the food markets and picnic hampers which you can order in advance.
There is also a vast choice of restaurants in the local area, my favourite restaurant is Sticks n Sushi near Wimbledon station. Here, you will often spot the odd professional tennis player there as well during the competition; it’s a favourite spot for former World No. 1 Angie Kerber.
Most importantly, a visit isn’t complete without a glass of Pimms and some strawberries and cream.
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