Stockton on Tees tennis player Gavin Griffiths reached the men’s visually impaired B1 final this week on the manicured grounds of Wimbledon, enjoying an unforgettable experience at SW19.
Griffiths, 53, came runner-up 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.
Griffiths may not have lifted the trophy, but he was still thrilled to play at Wimbledon - for the fourth time.
He said: “That’s the fourth time we’ve battled it out in four years. He’s a cracking player. I really wanted it, but it wasn’t meant to be. I’ll be back.
“It’s lovely playing at Wimbledon - it’s like no other place we play at. This is like playing in a palace.
“And every time we’ve been, it’s always been really sunny, which adds to the pleasure. We fight like dogs on the court because we want to win - that’s what we’re here for. But off the court, we support each other and help each other out.”
Yarm’s Toby Flight also took to the prestigious All England Club courts, competing in the 18&U boys’ doubles with Newcastle’s Tom Richardson.
“I came for the singles two years ago but I was injured, so I didn't play very well,” said Flight. “It’s really surreal playing on the Wimbledon grass.”
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.
Share