SALISBURY'S Jiselle Stringer may not have lifted silverware on the manicured lawns of Wimbledon – but she still enjoyed an unforgettable experience at SW19, writes Megan Armitage.

Stringer, 13, who goes to Southfields School and lives in Salisbury, featured in the national finals at the Play Your Way to Wimbledon event – the largest individual mass participation tennis competition in the UK.  

Thousands of teenagers took part in the qualifying stages this year, with the winners progressing to the national finals on Wimbledon’s Aorangi Courts.

Stringer, who described Emma Raducanu as a tennis idol, failed to progress to the latter stages of the tournament – but was still thrilled to be in attendance at Wimbledon and revealed it was an experience she will never forget. 

She said: "The experience was really great and amazing. 

"I'm enjoying playing against better players and I think I became so much more confident over the tournament. I used to get so nervous and hit the ball into the net but now I'm playing at Wimbledon. 

"It's really nice to experience this all with my family." 

From 2023, the LTA and The All England Lawn Tennis Club are planning for the competition to expand further, through the introduction of additional age groups and disability categories, whilst helping to encourage more kids to pick up a tennis racket.  

Former British number one Tim Henman was in attendance to cheer on the youngsters at SW19 and offer his experience and advice. 

He said: "My involvement goes way back to when this first started in 2002 and really using Wimbledon as the character to inspire the next generation. 

"Now the partnership with Vodafone means Play Your Way to Wimbledon really speaks about encouraging that next generation and giving them that access and opportunity. 

"It's a game that you can play for life so it's about encouraging more and more people to play tennis at a young age. 

"The standard seems like it gets better and better every year."

Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is a junior tournament that gives players an opportunity to follow in their heroes’ footsteps and compete on the grass courts at Wimbledon. The All England Club and LTA are proud to partner with Vodafone to relaunch and expand the largest individual mass participation tennis competition in the UK – for more information visit wimbledon.com