Friday 9th December saw Christmas come early to the tennis courts of the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre as Abingdon was treated to a spectacular visit from the Yonex Sponsored British Number 1 and World Number 50, Elena Baltacha.
With the chance to both try out the latest in Yonex technology, including Baltacha’s Ezone XI 100 racket, and get their hands on some fantastic Yonex prizes – not to mention the opportunity to beat their coaches! – the event saw over 60 WHLTC juniors pile onto the courts.
From rookie 5 year olds to the likes of Georgina Todd (17 years old) and Patricia Valimaa (14) who will hit the British Senior Tour in 2012, the players kicked off the evening with a fantastic demonstration of the skills they’d developed during the term.
Then, arriving in front of a packed audience on the back of one of her most successful years to date, Baltacha provided the evening’s stunning climax in an exhibition match featuring WHLTC Coach and former ATP Challenger Tour competitor Jon Maskens.
After watching their coach step up, nine WHLTC juniors were given the opportunity of a lifetime: to hit with one of the World’s best players, the first British woman in over 20 years to both achieve and maintain a top 50 ranking for two consecutive years. Amongst those selected were 2011 Road to Wimbledon finalist Giles Waterson and WHLTC Yonex Player of the Year, 11 year old Lauren Keeler.
Keeler said: “I was very excited and happy when I found out that I was one of the people hitting with Elena. It made me even more enthusiastic! I learnt that if I work hard it pays off and one day I could be just like her. I was really nervous but it was the best evening of my life so far!”
In addition to Keeler there was the chance for everyone to learn from the player who embodies her own motto of “Fitter, stronger, faster, highly motivated”. In an open Q&A session, Baltacha provided invaluable advice on everything from game preparation and the correct mental attitude, to how to successfully combine education with elite tennis.
This was followed by the Yonex Autograph Session where Baltacha delighted everyone present, taking the time and care to speak to each person and posing for photographs.
WHLTC Tennis Programme Manager Amanda King said: “Tonight was extremely inspiring for everybody at the WHLTC and we are truly grateful to both Elena and Yonex. We’d also like to thank Yonex for their incredible ongoing support to our junior tennis programme.”
Yonex, which has assisted World Number Ones on both the men and women’s professional tours, has been with Baltacha since 2009 and Pete Tuffrey, National Promotions Executive for Yonex UK, said:
"We're incredibly proud of the much deserved success that Elena has once again achieved this year. She always gives one hundred and ten percent in everything she does, making her a true professional on court and an absolute pleasure to work with – a fantastic role model. On behalf of Yonex I would like to wish her the very best for 2012.
“We continue to be very excited about the work that takes place in the WHLTC’s tennis programme and take great pleasure in working alongside the coaches to support the nation’s future pros!”
It was not only the WHLTC players and staff who were thrilled by Baltacha’s visit: the player herself later declared on Twitter (@ElenaBaltacha): Had a fantastic evening tonight at Whltc! Thankyou to everyone @yonex_tennis and everyone who took part!!really enjoyed it!!:) xx”
This was followed the next day with: “Morning all, on a real buzz from last night!!”
Judging from the response of everyone who took part, thanks to Baltacha and Yonex everyone at the WHLTC remains “on a real buzz” as well.
WHLTC Juniors Selected to Hit with Elena Baltacha
Georgina Todd and Patricia Valimaa
Giles Waterson
Ben Charlesworth and Connor Ferguson
Luke Charlesworth and Jana Cooper-Marcos
Raia Jagger and Lauren Keeler