Devon doubles dream takes Jacqui and Sarah all the way to Wimbledon

Two Devon tennis players achieved the dream of a lifetime this summer, competing on the hallowed grass courts of Wimbledon after battling their way through a series of tournaments to earn their place.

Jacqui Warrender (Bovey Tracey & Avon Vale LTC) and Sarah Fielder (Mannamead & Avon Vale LTC) first joined forces in May for the Avon Vale Ladies tournament. Their victory there booked them a spot in the regional finals, held on 21st June at Avon Vale Lawn Tennis Club and organised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

Against tough competition, the pair powered through four matches, eventually edging out an Exeter University team in a nail-biting championship tie-break, 10–8. That crucial win secured their places in the national finals at Wimbledon.

“It was both exciting and nerve-wracking,” Sarah recalled. For Jacqui, it was an entirely new experience, while Sarah had once stepped onto Wimbledon’s courts as a teenager. The famous all-white dress code – down to shoes – even prompted a special shopping trip before their big day.

On Wednesday, 6th August, the pair arrived at the All England Club, signing in at the Aorangi Pavilion and soaking up the atmosphere of one of Britain’s most iconic sporting venues. Players were greeted with tennis bags full of Wimbledon-branded kit, a daily allowance for food and drink, and the sight of immaculate grass courts under blue skies.

Sarah and Jacqui were interviewed by the Wimbledon press team before being called to Court 3, close to the Pavilion and bustling with spectators. Their first-round opponents were Abi Matthews and Anna Webster from Avon.

The Devon duo fought hard in a tense first set, narrowly losing 7–6 despite having set points. Early in the second set, they looked poised for a comeback – 40-0 up in the opening game – when disaster struck. Sarah went down with an injury, forcing the physio to intervene.

The pair’s Wimbledon run was cut short, and after hours spent at St George’s Hospital A&E, Sarah left with crutches instead of a place in the next round.

“It was such a shame,” said Paul Eden, Chairman of Avon Vale LTC, who was there alongside fellow supporters Barbara and Julie. “But everyone was proud of how far Jacqui and Sarah had come, and concerned for Sarah’s recovery.”

Despite the disappointment, Jacqui was given a rare opportunity to play at the prestigious Queen’s Club the following day, thanks to an invitation arranged by Paul Eden. Joined by supporter Barbara Robillard, she enjoyed a special consolation prize that capped off a remarkable journey.

Sarah is now awaiting an MRI scan, and the Devon tennis community has rallied around to wish her a speedy recovery.

Play your way to Wimbledon

The LTA’s “Play Your Way to Wimbledon” competition – formerly known as the Road to Wimbledon – is the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition. Each year, thousands of players from clubs and schools across the country compete for the chance to play on the world’s most famous courts.

For Jacqui and Sarah, their rollercoaster run will be remembered not just for the result, but for the experience: the atmosphere of Wimbledon, the joy of stepping onto Centre Court’s neighbouring lawns, and the pride of representing Devon tennis on the national stage.

Opportunities to enter next year’s competition are already open, with full details available via the LTA website.