WREXHAM'S Emma McMahon capped an unforgettable week on the manicured lawns of Wimbledon with a wonderful winners' medal in SW19.

McMahon, 20, a student at Nottingham University, featured in the national finals at the Play Your Way to Wimbledon event, powered by Vodafone the largest individual mass participation tennis competition in the UK.

Thousands of 14 and under and 18 and under 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.

McMahon made it to the final of the women's doubles alongside Angela Halton and after taking the top prize, she reflected on a memorable week in south-west London.

She said: "We were nervous but I said let's just go for our shots, it might be the last time we play on this surface. We played aggressive, that's what we wanted to do.

"I'm really happy and to win at Wimbledon in doubles with my friend, in doesn't get much better than that, I'm really proud of how we've done."

The competition looks to inspire the next generation of tennis talent; allowing junior players to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and compete for a chance to play on Wimbledon's iconic courts.

Formerly known as the Road to Wimbledon, the competition launched in March and is delivered in partnership by the LTA, The All England Lawn Tennis Club, and Vodafone.

Former British number one Laura Robson was in attendance to cheer on the youngsters at SW19 and offer her experience and advice.

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.