David Lloyd Chelsea Harbour Club’s tennis team will be gracing Wimbledon’s Centre Court this summer after winning tickets to tennis’ most prestigious competition as part of the Jaguar Championships.
Malcolm Graham, Renee Hall, Tamas Kos and Valeria Zilkha proved themselves to be the best of the bunch at David Lloyd Raynes Park on Saturday June 10, taking top spot in the improvers’ category at the National Finals to win eight tickets for this summer’s Championships.
Their achievements came under the watchful eye of British No.1 Johanna Konta, with more than 400 teams and 1,668 players entering this, the second year of the Jaguar Championships, a mixed-doubles event in partnership with David Lloyd Leisure.
Chelsea Harbour Club were left as last team standing, battling past Bristol Long Ashton in a thrilling final – with the runners-up receiving a consolation prize of having the World Car of the Year 2017 Jaguar F-PACE for the weekend.
But for Chelsea’s Graham, being presented the winner’s trophy by British star Konta made the weekend extra special, with plenty of memories to take forward for years to come.
“It was a really good day, we’ve had some fantastic matches and it’s always good to win – it’s a very nice feeling,” said the technology entrepreneur.
“To be the best of so many clubs and many thousands of players is quite special, there were some really tough and close matches, quite a few deciding points which makes it interesting, and it feels great to have won.
“Getting tickets for Wimbledon is really special, we’re all big fans so we’ll definitely be treasuring those.
“Everyone in the team has watched Johanna climb up the rankings and it’s really impressive what she’s done, she was lovely and it gave everyone a buzz.
“There’s always next year too, I’m sure we’ll be back to try and defend the crown.”
Teams had to battle through club competitions and regional finals just to reach the national showcase, leaving the best of the best to show what they could do at David Lloyd Raynes Park.
And with a strong level of talent on display, Konta – who is to take to the Wimbledon court in just a few weeks’ time – was more than impressed with what she saw from everyone taking part in the Jaguar Championships.
“What Jaguar are doing is really positive, they’re encouraging people to get into tennis and be active and it’s a great way of promoting the sport that I love personally, and I know a lot of people really enjoy playing,” said the world No.8.
“The players did fantastically, they were looking impressive and most importantly they were having fun and lots of enjoyment which is great to see.
“Having adults play can set a great example for children, it encourages them to get in the sport too, but the great thing about tennis is that it’s not held down by age, you can enjoy it all age-groups and with all weathers too.
“All of us are trying to get tennis promoted in a really positive way, a really active way, and the more people who see it on screen or on papers then the more interest it has.”
Johanna Konta was speaking at The Jaguar Championships as part of Jaguar’s partnership with David Lloyd Clubs.
Visit http://www.jaguar.co.uk/jaguar-range/f-pace/index.html to find out more about the F-PACE, the Official Car of The Championships, Wimbledon
