Harpenden tennis talent wins national final

HARPENDEN tennis star Emily Arbuthnott has been crowned champion of the 18&U Aegon Winter National Tour Finals which took place at the National Tennis Centre in London at the weekend.

The 15-year-old beat Jennifer Brown from Welwyn Garden City 7-5 6-2 in a competitive final to cap an excellent week for the Hertfordshire youngster.

Following an impressive run of form throughout the Aegon Winter National Tour over the last few months, Emily was invited to compete in the prestigious Aegon Winter National Tour Finals by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

The invitation-only tournament is the pinnacle of the winter British Tennis season and showcases the talent of some of the best young players in the country.

Emily, who trains at Batchwood Tennis Centre was one of only 16 players to be invited, having earned her place by accumulating enough ranking points from LTA tournaments throughout the winter.

The Aegon Winter National Tour 18&U Champion said: “It’s amazing. I was seeded first coming into the tournament but I never expected to get to the final, let alone win. I am over the moon.”

Leon Smith, LTA head of men’s and women’s tennis, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for Emily to secure the Aegon Winter National Tour honours, against such talented competition.

“The tournament brings together the best boys and girls in the country, who have been playing in this national tour circuit throughout the winter. “Competition at a young age is vitally important in developing both the tactical and mental competitive qualities the players need to have in place as they progress and start to play internationally.

“There’s obviously a long way to go for these players. It’s a long journey for any player hoping to make an impact on the game but we hope that with the right support, these players are given the best possible chance of reaching their full potential.”