DUNDEE teenager Ben Hudson will fulfil a dream this weekend when he graces the hallowed grass courts of the All England Club after securing his place in the Road to Wimbledon National Finals.
The 14-year-old, who claimed one of two top qualifying places at the Scotland County Final, is one of ten Scots competing against some of the world’s most talented youngsters at SW19 from Sunday.
The Road to Wimbledon Under-14 tournament is the UK’s largest junior grass court competition, with more than 7000 girls and boys from over 750 clubs, parks and schools competing to qualify.
“I am so excited to be headed for Wimbledon next month,” said Ben, who started playing tennis at just five years old and is now sitting at #2 in the UK’s 14-and-under age group. “I’ve been working so hard to get to the grass courts as it’s something I’ve never had the chance to experience before. It’s also cool that I’ll be playing where Andy Murray was just a few weeks ago – I can’t wait!”
The Hudson family tennis talent doesn’t stop there, with Ben’s sister Amy sitting at #3 in Scotland’s 12-and-under age group. Speaking proudly of the two, Ben’s dad, Barry Hudson, said: “Ben’s drive, natural talent and hard work show more and more each year. As well as attending school every day, Ben factors in the gym some mornings before classes start – he’s incredibly motivated.
“We take the kids to training in Stirling two times a week and drive all around the country for competitions regularly. There’s a lot of travelling but we’re so proud of Ben and Amy and where they’ve got to already. We’re committed and determined as a family and couldn’t do it without the support of Tennis Scotland and the external sponsors that Ben has (Overgate Centre Dundee, Head UK, Angus Alive, Sports Aid Scotland and Tennis Scotland).”
Ben’s recent success adds to an already triumphant 2019, which includes claiming the Scottish Junior Indoor U18 Championships, and winning the Tennis Europe events in Edinburgh and Dublin in both singles and doubles. Eight fellow Scots County Finals winners, including 13-year-old Lucy Beeston from Edinburgh, will be joining Ben and his fellow Scotland qualifier, Jack Deveny at Wimbledon.
“Since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamed of playing at Wimbledon and following in the footsteps of my favourite player, [former world No.1] Simona Halep,” said Beeston. “I can’t believe I will now be able to make the dream come true already.”
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