A TALENTED tennis player served up an ace to finish as runner-up in a national competition at Wimbledon’s hallowed Aorangi Courts.

Luke Turnbull was competing in the learning disability finals of the Play Your Way to Wimbledon event, powered by Vodafone – the largest individual mass-participation tennis competition in the UK.

Turnbull, of North Berwick Tennis Club, narrowly missed out in a 7-5, 6-1 final but will treasure the experience for years to come.

The 20-year-old, who has auditory processing disorder, said: “It’s great to have events like this and be able to play at Wimbledon.

“I’ve seen a few people here that I know up in Scotland, I’m used to playing here, there and everywhere.

“It’s been good, it’s nice to see people are enjoying it and some familiar faces.

“I wasn’t putting too much pressure on myself and taking in the moment.

“It’s been an eventful day so I’m glad to get through it.

East Lothian Courier: Andy Murray is a favourite of Luke Turnbull. Image: Steven Paston/PA WireAndy Murray is a favourite of Luke Turnbull. Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire (Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)

“My main idol is Andy Murray and now watching Alcaraz and the way he plays, I’ve been trying to emulate that aggression in my game and come out on top.”

This year saw the competition open up to more players, with three disability events split between visual impairment, learning disability and wheelchair tennis categories, as well as an adult doubles pathway.

Launched last year, the competition is delivered by Vodafone in partnership with the LTA and The All England Lawn Tennis Club, forming part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to support grassroots tennis in the UK whilst encouraging more people to pick up a racket.

Turnbull, of North Berwick, earlier this year won bronze in the doubles at the Virtus Global Games.

Former British No. 1 and Play Your Way to Wimbledon ambassador Laura Robson ran a coaching clinic in the week to support the tournament and its aims of inspiring generations to continue playing tennis.

She said: “It’s just so cool to get the chance to play on these courts at Wimbledon.

“I still get a buzz every time I walk out there, so I can’t imagine how they’re feeling.

“I played Road to Wimbledon when I was much younger and I’m still friends with some of the people that I played against. It’s amazing to see how much it’s grown over the years and with the new categories this year it’s bigger and better.

“Growing the game involves letting people enjoy themselves on court and letting themselves have as much fun as possible so they want to come back and do it all over again next year.”

Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition that gives players an opportunity to follow in their heroes’ footsteps and compete at Wimbledon.

The All England Club and LTA are proud to partner with Vodafone to expand the competition to more players in 2023 with an adult doubles pathway, alongside visual impairment, learning disability and wheelchair tennis categories.