BRITISH WHEELCHAIR TENNIS NO.1 LUCY SHUKER VISITS DUKES MEADOWS AHEAD OF WIMBLEDON TO INSPIRE BRAVE YOUNGSTER

Lucy Shuker has been training hard for the start of her 2013 Wimbledon campaign which will kick off on Friday, 5th July, but ahead of her home Grand Slam she took some time out to share some quality tips on court with rising GB junior star Esperanza Merry at Dukes Meadows, Chiswick, London.

Having recently returned with Gold as part of the GB Junior Team for the 2013 BNP Paribas World Team Cup in Turkey, Esperanza Merry has all the promised of a bright future in Wheelchair tennis and Lucy has been hugely influential in her own Grand Slam hopes. 

At age 11 Esperanza, who had won 42 tournaments playing tennis across the UK, France and the USA, contracted a rare infection in her right hip that was complicated by septicaemia, which unfortunately left her unable to walk unsupported. Her fighting nature and determination to continue her tennis dreams led her to admiration for Lucy and her talents. The pair met back in 2012 where Esperanza realised her dreams to be just like the British No.1.

Lucy Shuker said:

“Esperanza has great courage and commitment to Wheelchair tennis. Her progress since she moved into her chair has been very natural and I am sure she has a great future ahead of her. It will be great for her to see the amazing standard of Wheelchair tennis that will be on show at Wimbledon and if she keeps working hard then one day she may well get her shot at the All England.”

Esperanza Merry added:

“It has been great meeting Lucy again at Dukes Meadows. Lucy has been a huge inspiration for me since I decided to take up Wheelchair tennis and I hope one day I can also get the chance to play at Wimbledon.”

Esperanza’s promising talent has been recognised by the Tennis Foundation and she recently became a member of the Tennis Foundation’s Wheelchair Tennis Performance Programme.

James Lenton, Director of Dukes Meadows’ FC** Tennis Academy where Esperanza previously trained said:

“I think Esperanza is so inspirational to our kids at the FC** Tennis Academy – to be tackling the challenges she’s had at 12-years-old and be dealing with it in the positive way she has, that’s a lesson for anyone! What a great role model.”

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