Latest news with #LTATennisAwards
South Wales Argus
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Katie Boulter named Female Player of the Year at LTA Awards
The British number one was honoured at the tenth anniversary of the awards which were held at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton. Boulter came back from a set down to defeat Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 in the final in San Diego to clinch the biggest accolade of her career so far. The Leicestershire-native took that battling form back to the East Midlands where she defended her Rothesay Open Nottingham title, once again going a set down before fighting back to beat Karolina Pliskova. While she had to see over British competition in the form of Emma Raducanu in the semi-final, she was in great form alongside her compatriots in the Lexus GB Billie Jean King Cup. Her victories over Laura Siegemund and Leylah Fernandez helped Britain to a second semi-final in three years. "I'm incredibly happy with all that I achieved during 2024. It's been an exciting year – on and off the court,' reflected Boulter. 'Ending the year as the British No. 1, playing in the Billie Jean Cup and at an Olympics, for the first time, made it a season to remember forever! 'Winning the San Diego Open and also successfully defending my title in front of the cheering home fans in Nottingham are also incredible memories for me. The support makes all the difference. I'm keen to strive for much more.' The annual LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, highlight and celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of people in tennis across Britain. First launched in 2015 with the help of former LTA president Cathie Sabin OBE, they recognise the vital work of volunteers, coaches, officials, and players dedicating their precious time and energy to the continual development and growth of the sport. Over the past ten years, the awards have illustrated the depth of service and talent within the tennis community and serve as an inspiration to others to get involved in the game. The winners, selected from more than 2,000 nominations across 25 different categories, have all been acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to tennis in 2024. The awards were graced by the presence of tennis royalty as Sue Barker was on hand to present some of the accolades. 'Katie Boulter has played at such a high level. Winning tournaments, beating top players, and competing at the highest level,' she said. 'It's such a vibrant British tennis scene at the moment and I can't wait to see it all blossom. 'You don't get long at it. There is quite a small window to play at the very, very top of the game so it's important that they take their opportunities. 'But you've still got to enjoy it. I look back on my career as the best fun I ever had and I hope that all those players when they look back on it think, 'Wow, I've had a great time.'' To find out more information about the LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus or for information on how to play, coach, volunteer or officiate in tennis, head to: The Official Home of Tennis For Britain | LTA
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Alfie Hewett takes top prize at the 2025 LTA Awards
Barker was speaking at the prestigious tenth anniversary of the LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus where Hewett was awarded the Wheelchair Player of the Year Award. Hewett won the Wimbledon singles title for the first time in his career, making him only the second men's wheelchair tennis player in history to complete the singles career Grand Slam. 'He's won everything! I mean doubles, him and Gordon [Reid] have won everything two or three times but to win at Wimbledon is what every British player dreams of,' exclaimed Barker. 'Just seeing his celebration there and how much it meant to him and his team and the people that have supported him to achieve that. I'm sure that was the ultimate goal for him. That'll be the one he'll look back on and say, 'That's the one I wanted to win.' 'When you grow up, your dream is always to win Wimbledon. I'm not being biased because I'm British, most foreign players dream of winning Wimbledon, so for Alfie that was a moment he can look back on and treasure. 'I'm sure he can watch it on playback time and time again that match point. I hope he does.' The Wimbledon title, however, did not even scratch the surface of Hewett's full list of 2024 accolades. The Grand Slam glory continued as, alongside Gordon Reid, lifted all three major doubles titles at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. The Norfolk player also claimed his first Paralympic gold alongside Reid in the doubles and claimed silver at Paris 2024 in the singles. The awards were hosted by the LTA's head of men's tennis Leon Smith who said: "It was such a great day at the National Tennis Centre, and amazing to see all the finalists come together. The annual LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, highlight and celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of people in tennis across Britain. First launched in 2015 with the help of former LTA president Cathie Sabin OBE, they recognise the vital work of volunteers, coaches, officials, and players dedicating their precious time and energy to the continual development and growth of the sport. Over the past ten years, the awards have illustrated the depth of service and talent within the tennis community and serve as an inspiration to others to get involved in the game. "Hearing their stories during the awards and learning about the impact they've had on tennis and padel was honestly so inspiring. "It was wonderful to be able to recognise everything they've done — all of which helps bring the LTA's vision of 'tennis opened up' to life. I can't wait to see what they do next." To find out more information about the LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus or for information on how to play, coach, volunteer or officiate in tennis, head to: The Official Home of Tennis For Britain | LTA
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
University student named Young Person of the Year at LTA Awards
The 21-year-old from Ilford was awarded the top prize at the awards, which were held at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, following an impressive year of dedication to the sport. As Vice President of King's College London Tennis Club, Nana has transformed the club into the largest sports club at the university - increasing membership by 66%, whilst also crowning them 2023/24 British University and Colleges Sports Club of the Year. "Tennis is a sport that has given me so much," he said, "I'm just a medical student at Kings who loves tennis and so to be able to contribute to the sport at a local level is amazing. "I never dreamed that I would even be here, shaking hands with Sue Barker. It's crazy." Having played tennis competitively and recreationally throughout his life, Nana decided to give back to the sport during his time studying medicine at King's College University and has since transformed the club. Jack Draper with a beauty in Madrid 😮💨 🎥 @TennisTV — LTA (@the_LTA) April 29, 2025 "I played a lot of tennis as a kid and going to Uni I thought by playing days were over but the sport gives me so much and so a lot of my dream was to get more people involved and give back to the community," he added. We try to target every aspect of tennis from a grassroots level, trying to make it more accessible to those who haven't played before and transform our programmes. We now have four days a week of sessions, coached by paid students and putting on other events throughout the year." The annual LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, highlight and celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of people in tennis and padel across Britain. First launched in 2015 by former LTA president Cathie Sabin OBE, over the past ten years, the awards have illustrated the depth of service and talent within the tennis community and serve as an inspiration to others to get involved in the game. The winners, selected from more than 2,000 nominations across 25 different categories, were all acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to tennis in 2024. Speaking at the event, President of the LTA Sandi Procter, said: "The ceremony is a celebration of the people that make our sport so special. "I have always been passionate about grassroots, and the LTA awards are our way of highlighting the extraordinary contribution of individuals and venues across Britain. "The dedication of all the winners, and runners-up too, is unbelievable." To find out more information about the LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus or for information on how to play, coach, volunteer or officiate in tennis, head to: The Official Home of Tennis For Britain | LTA
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Jack Draper worthy British number one, says Andrew Castle
The 23-year-old became the new British No.1 for the first time in his career in June 2024 and has since bolted up to world number six following his first ATP Masters title in Indian Wells. Partnered with a semi-final appearance at the 2024 US Open and a Stuttgart victory on the ATP Tour, Draper was crowned 2025 male Player of the Year at the LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus for his efforts across 2024. And having now cemented himself as one of the most exciting British tennis players to watch, Castle believes that it has been a rise made possible by a blend of natural gifts and determination. "I've known Jack since he was a whippersnapper and now he's very much not," he said. "He's a genuine top 10er and Indian Wells winner. "I still have people coming up to me, those casual sport observers and asking if he's going to 'make it'. I mean he's already done that and he's not just made it, he's bolted. "But it all happened so quickly for him. Technically he's gifted but physically he's worked on exactly what he needs to. "James Trotman his coach has done an unbelievable job getting him to where he needs to be now." Castle himself only saw a career high of world number 80 in June 1988 and having known Draper since he was a junior player, noted that he's not against giving the current British number one a bit of light-hearted stick. "When he got to 80 in the world, which was my highest ranking, I texted him and joked that I didn't think he would break 80," he said. "Of course, I knew he would in about three days which he did and since then he's just flown up the rankings." The annual LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, highlight and celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of people in tennis and padel across Britain. First launched in 2015 by former LTA president Cathie Sabin OBE, over the past ten years, the awards have illustrated the depth of service and talent within the tennis community and serve as an inspiration to others to get involved in the game. The winners, selected from more than 2,000 nominations across 25 different categories, were all acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to tennis in 2024. Draper was named Male Player of the Year, with Katie Boulter taking the female equivalent, Alfie Hewett named Wheelchair Player and Henry Patten the Doubles Player of the Year. "2024 was an amazing year for me – and one I will never forget," Draper said. "Reaching the semi-finals of the US Open along with winning my first ATP Tour title in Stuttgart in June was not just special for me, but all of my team. "I had a great run at Queens, and I look forward to seeing all the British fans there again, where hopefully I can have another good run." To find out more information about the LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus or for information on how to play, coach, volunteer or officiate in tennis, head to: The Official Home of Tennis For Britain | LTA
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Moore honoured to be recognised by LTA Tennis Awards
The Glasgow-born tennis player has made an exceptional contribution to tennis over the past 30 years in both Scotland and Wiltshire. Since qualifying as a coach in 2004, Moore's has created a strong ethos in participation and has been a passionate ambassador for 'She Rallies' to break new barriers for women and girls in sport. "You do all these things without thinking about rewards," she said. "This is for all my friends and family who have made sacrifices to help me do what I do. "I just did it because I love tennis and I want other people to love it as well. "I started tennis when I was about 10 at a small local club in Glasgow and when I was about 20-years-old our committee all left and so a group of us stepped up and fundraised to get new courts there. "The ethos was always that we can do this and so we did. It's really lovely to be recognised for this and I'd do it all again if I could." As Chair of Marlborough Tennis Club Moore's leadership and enthusiasm enabled the club to move to a new site, obtaining loans and grants for the new six court venue. She was instrumental in establishing the Marlborough Sports Forum helping run events for over 150 children across 12 different sports, with the club also winning Club of the Year at the 2025 LTA Awards. "To have the Marlborough committee here to celebrate with me is so lovely," she said. "Anyone can make a difference in tennis and it's just going out and tapping someone on the shoulder and telling them that they can do this. I " see young girls coming through into coaching and it's fantastic. Sometimes people just need that extra encouragement." The annual LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, highlight and celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of people in tennis and padel across Britain. First launched in 2015 by former LTA president Cathie Sabin OBE, over the past ten years, the awards have illustrated the depth of service and talent within the tennis community and serve as an inspiration to others to get involved in the game. The winners, selected from more than 2,000 nominations across 25 different categories, were all acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to tennis in 2024. And with the support of her friends, family and the LTA behind her, Moore admitted that she's not stopping her tennis journey any time soon, with greater plans to continue working in the sport and supporting tennis throughout Wiltshire. She said: "I've not given up yet either! This might say Lifetime Achievement but I'm still going and still working." To find out more information about the LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus or for information on how to play, coach, volunteer or officiate in tennis, head to: The Official Home of Tennis For Britain | LTA
