Lily Porter eyeing county success on the road to SW19 after singles and doubles wins as Ashford’s The North School hosts ‘Play Your Way to Wimbledon’ qualifiers

Lily Porter enjoyed consecutive victories as Ashford’s The North School hosted “Play Your Way to Wimbledon” local qualifying events.

Play Your Way to Wimbledon is the UK’s largest mass participation tennis competition, with more than 10,000 players taking part across 700 venues last year.

Players begin by competing at local qualifying events, with the victors progressing through to County and/or Regional Finals, and then onto the National Finals, held on the legendary grass at SW19.

Both under-13 Porter and under-12 Sophie Podger-King played some sublime tennis to reach the championship match out of the 22 girls involved, where Porter won the deciding championship tie-break 10-7.

“After losing my first game in the group stage, I knew I had to step up my level and I’m really proud to have won the singles title and be moving on to the county singles Finals,” said Porter.

Porter has since claimed the doubles title with partner Charlotte van der Merwe, with 24 girls having taken to the court.

The duo will now compete at the Area Finals at Bromley Tennis Centre on July 2 before Porter progresses onto the county singles Finals at Tunbridge Wells LTC a fortnight later.

Andrew Sunderland, tournament organiser and head coach of The North School Tennis Academy, said: “It was a privilege to host such a prestigious event and inspiring to see so many girls competing with such tenacity, passion and pride.

“I thought the level of tennis on display was outstanding and every match was played with superb sportsmanship.

“I’m really excited for Lily and Charlotte - they have been standout performers all year and a place in the County Finals is well deserved.”