The manicured lawns of Wimbledon are a familiar backdrop for Gloucester’s Charlie Denton, who reached the deaf singles final in his third time playing at SW19.
Denton, 19, who has previously represented Great Britain, came runner-up in the deaf singles event at the national finals at Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, which is Britain’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition and is delivered in partnership with the LTA and the All England Club.
Thousands of 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.
Though he may not have lifted silverware, Denton was still thrilled to attend Wimbledon and revealed it was an experience she will never forget.
He said: “It was good to be back for my third time. I really enjoy playing here and it’s just a great day out.
“I’ll take away that I need to work on some of my shots, but also that I’m feeling really good and I want to keep the momentum going forward. For example, I have nationals later this summer.
“I’ve already called my parents and they messaged me to say well done.”
Gloucester teenager Andreas Cheuk Lun Leung, 13, who trains at East Glos Tennis Club, played in the 14&U boys’ singles.
He said: “I am very honoured to be here and am very excited too. I like the excitement and the nervousness you get when you play tennis.”
The event, which took place between 2-8 August, offers recreational tennis players of all ages and abilities the opportunity to compete on Wimbledon’s acclaimed grass courts, less than a month after The Championships. In addition, participants received a tour of the Grounds and enjoyed a taste of what it is like competing at Wimbledon, observing the all-white dress code and using the official player facilities.
Last year saw over 11,000 players taking part in the competition, with more than 780 venues hosting the initial stages and 340 players reaching the national finals.
This year’s Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, and supported by the All England Club and the LTA, hosted 14U Junior Singles, 18U Junior Doubles, 19+ Adult Doubles, Wheelchair Adult and Junior, Learning Disability and Visually Impaired categories, plus Para Standing and Deaf competitions – newly formalised categories for 2026.
A coaching clinic for 14&U players was also conducted by Head Coach of the All England Club, Dan Bloxham.
Play Your Way to Wimbledon encourages tennis enthusiasts of all levels to pick up a racket and get involved in the sport. Participants begin by competing locally at their club, park or school before progressing to county and/or area finals and eventually reaching the national finals at Wimbledon.
Jamie Baker, Associate Director of Professional Tennis and Tournament Director of The Championships, Wimbledon said: "In partnership with Vodafone and the LTA, we are delighted to open up Play Your Way to Wimbledon to even more players with the addition of para-standing and deaf competitions.
“For many of these players, competing on Wimbledon’s grass courts will be their first experience on the surface. We hope this competition continues to inspire players of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to discover the fun and benefits of tennis."
Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition. It is part of Vodafone’s ongoing commitment as Official Connectivity Partner to The Championships, to connect more people with the sports and events they love, while supporting grassroots tennis and making the sport more accessible to players of all ages and abilities.
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