Teen Tennis Sensation Lucy Foyster Makes History as Youngest Ever Wheelchair Champion at Wimbledon
12-year-old Lucy Foyster from Norwich is on cloud nine after claiming victory at the prestigious Wimbledon courts, making history as the youngest-ever winner of the women’s wheelchair tennis competition. Her triumph at the Play Your Way to Wimbledon finals, powered by Vodafone, was an experience she will cherish forever.
The Play Your Way to Wimbledon competition is the UK’s largest tennis event, attracting thousands of participants each year. After progressing through regional and county-level qualifiers, Lucy earned her spot in the national finals, held on the iconic Aorangi Courts at Wimbledon. The event is designed to promote inclusivity and offer opportunities for players of all ages and abilities, featuring categories like wheelchair tennis, visually impaired competitions, and para-standing events.
Lucy, a student at Framingham Earl High School, was ecstatic about her win, especially given that it was her first time playing at Wimbledon. Reflecting on her victory, she shared, “It hasn’t really sunk in yet because it’s so shocking, especially with my age and my first time here. I’m very happy with myself.” Her achievement has certainly put her on the map as a rising star in the world of wheelchair tennis.
The competition, part of the broader initiative to inspire players of all abilities, not only saw wheelchair events for both adults and juniors but also featured doubles, singles, and other accessible categories. The final was a celebration of tennis’ power to unite people, regardless of their background or experience.
Alfie Hewett OBE and Gordon Reid OBE, the world’s top-ranked wheelchair tennis doubles team and Vodafone ambassadors, were present to lend their support. They emphasized how special it was to see younger players like Lucy get the chance to compete on the same stage where some of the sport’s legends have played. “We would have loved to have had something like this when we were younger,” said Hewett. Both Hewett and Reid praised the initiative for offering an inclusive platform to engage players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
Through events like Play Your Way to Wimbledon, the sport of tennis becomes more accessible to everyone, and for Lucy Foyster, this victory is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career in wheelchair tennis.
