Top seed George Hedley at the HSBC Road to Wimbledon National Finals
The atmosphere is building at The All England Club as all eyes turn towards the 128 competitors that have just arrived from all over the country, to be at the home of The Championships this week, having earned their places at the 10th HSBC Road to Wimbledon National Finals.
After Sunday’s practice session, and welcome meeting, the players return on Monday for the start of their Round Robin matches. The boys will be starting first at 10am, followed by the 32 girls matches are scheduled after 12.30pm.
With high hopes of making the finals on Saturday are the top four seeds in the boy’s singles, a formidable quartet, featuring the top two U14 boys in the nation, number one seed George Hedley, from Berkshire rated 5.2, and second seed Miles McDowall from Winchester, the recent U14 champion at the 90th Bournemouth Open.
Third seed Mason Recci of Warwickshire and Surrey’s Nicolas Nugent also feature in the top ten elite 14 and under boys competing nationally on a regular basis, and will also be looking to claim the prestigious Road to Wimbledon trophy.
Turning to the the girls’ singles event, the top four seeds are all highly competent 6.2 players. Hannah Brett hails from Berkshire, and is this years number one seed qualifying from Bracknell LTC. The second seed is Olivia Noble of Yorkshire, followed by two Chloe’s, another Berkshire representative, third seed Chloe Lant, and local girl and former semi-finalist, Chloe Halliday.
Tournament Director, Paul Hutchins is looking forward to another memorable week and adds; “This is the 10th year I have welcomed players to the event so a real milestone. So many of the competitors over the years I know well, and it is really interesting to see the roll of honour of the past champions. For many who have competed here it has been the highlight of their junior career to play at Wimbledon.”
All the players this week have won through via their club or school and county finals so a long pathway to get here. I am hoping the weather also looks upon us kindly”
