Dear Ipswich, I love you!
I started playing tennis in Ipswich, at what was ‘Next Generation’ and is now ‘David Lloyd’, when I was about 5 years old. I grew up in Manningtree, just down the road, and can’t tell you how many times me and my family drove along the A137 from Stutton School, into Ipswich.
I’ve played in most places in and around the area and forged many lifelong friendships with those I played with. Whether it was at David Lloyd, Holbrook, Felixtowe, Copleston, Roundwood, Ipswich Sports Club or countless others. The list of tennis facilities and coaches goes on and on, and everyone knows everyone in the area. I love all of those places.
I have travelled all over the world with tennis, but Ipswich will always be the place where it began for me.
I recently lifted the Wimbledon men’s doubles trophy on Centre Court. It was a completely surreal experience and is the dream of most people who play the sport. What was most special to me, however, was the outpouring of love and support that I received throughout those two weeks, from old coaches and friends from the clubs that I grew up playing at. I owe my success to all of those people, and I hope that they were able to share some of those feelings that I had on court that day.
With any luck, I’ve inspired kids to follow in my footsteps. Even if they don’t quite make it to Wimbledon, I’m safe in the knowledge that they’ll be part of a beautiful community for life.
