Bournemouth’s Iraja Nigam and Barton-on-sea’s Emily Jaggers may not have lifted silverware last week on the manicured lawns of Wimbledon – but both still enjoyed an unforgettable experience at SW19.

The two 14-year-olds attend Talbot Heath School and play at West Hants Tennis Club, and they featured in the national finals at the Play Your Way to Wimbledon event, powered by Vodafone – the largest individual mass participation tennis competition in the UK.

Thousands of 14 and under and 18 and under players took part in the qualifying stages this year, leading to county and regional finals in June and July, with the winners progressing to the national finals on Wimbledon’s Aorangi Courts last week.

Both players reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.

Nigam, who described Carlos Alcaras as her tennis idol, revealed the competition was an experience she will never forget.

She said: “It’s a really good experience to play on the practice courts here and it’s amazing to be at the club.

“The atmosphere here is great, the weather is amazing. It’s inspired me to take my tennis to the next level.

“I love watching Alcaraz, it’s always fun watching him. My favourite thing about tennis is that feeling you get after you win a match - it feels so good”

Jaggers, who described Katie Boulter as her tennis idol, said: “It's been so good, just the atmosphere and the grass courts are so good. I lost in a tight match in the quarterfinals, but I’m really pleased.

(Image: imagecomms)

“I was here last year but I ended up breaking my finger while I was playing so had to pull out - that makes it even better this time that I’m back here and have been able to get further. I’ve beaten some decent players here so I think that will help with my confidence.

“I love Katie Boulter, because I think our game play is quite similar so I like to watch her and use what she does. I want to be professional, but I’m going to see how it goes. I was so happy to be back again. My Dad is really proud of me.”

The competition looks to inspire the next generation of tennis talent; enabling players of all ages to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and compete for a chance to play on Wimbledon’s iconic courts.

Formerly known as the Road to Wimbledon, the competition is supported by Vodafone in partnership with the LTA and the All England Club, as a collective commitment to support grassroots tennis in the UK.

This year’s event will be the largest finals in the competition’s history, adding a junior wheelchair pathway, plus exhibitions of para standing and deaf tennis.

The 2023 competition saw record participation as the event opened up to more players, with the introduction of qualifying rounds for three disability categories split between Visual Impairment, Learning Disability and Wheelchair tennis, as well as an Adult Doubles pathway.

Former British No.1 and Vodafone Ambassador Tim Henman was in attendance to cheer on the players at SW19 and offer his experience and advice.

He said: "Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is an incredible opportunity for people from every walk of life to pick up a racket and get involved and it's been great to see so many players taking part in this year's competition.

"This is an opportunity that not many get, so there are lots of people walking around with big smiles on their faces!

"I would encourage the finalists to enjoy their matches, soak it all up, take that experience away with you and spread the word. Hopefully we can keep increasing participation numbers."

Former British No.1 and Vodafone Ambassador Laura Robson led a coaching clinic alongside the All England Club’s Head Coach Dan Bloxham, allowing players who just missed out on the 14U national finals to experience grass court play.

She said: “The coaching clinic is so much fun. All the kids work so hard out there and have a smile on their face the entire time which is exactly what you want.

“It’s a highlight of the year for many and this feels like a big deal, because it is. Everything here is exactly as it was when the main tournament was on, which makes it even more special.

“I played this competition when it was ‘Road to Wimbledon’ - just about everyone who is currently in British tennis has played at this event, so hopefully we can create some good memories for the players out there.”

Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition, providing recreational players of all ages and abilities the opportunity to compete at Wimbledon. The All England Club and LTA are proud to partner with Vodafone to expand the competition in 2024.