TWO Devon ladies played their way to Wimbledon as part of Britain’s largest mass participation tennis competition.

Jacqui Warrender of Bovey Tracey Tennis Club and Sarah Fielder of Mannamead Tennis Club took part in this year’s ‘Play Your Way to Wimbledon’ event.

The pair first teamed up for the Avon Vale Ladies tournament all the way back in May, which they won to secure their places in the regional finals on June 21.

The qualifying regional finals was an LTA organised event hosted by Avon Vale Lawn Tennis Club.

The pair came through winning four matches, beating an Exeter University pairing in a tight championship tiebreak 10-8.

Jacqui and Sarah were winners and the penny then dropped – they were off to Wimbledon.

Sarah had played at the world-famous grass courts as a teenager, but for Jacqui this was a whole new experience.

‘The strict all-white dress code includes shoes, so a bit of shopping was necessary!’, says Jacqui.

On Wednesday, August 6, the Devon team arrived at the gates of Wimbledon, signed in and joined the exciting buzz of anticipation from all the players.

‘The view from the Pavillion was of around 15 beautiful grass courts full of players of all ages, all dressed in their whites’, says Jacqui.

‘It just looked lovely and so British, with the green grass and stunning blue sky’, added Jacqui.

Sarah and Jacqui were interviewed by the Wimbledon Press Office and had photos taken, and it wasn’t long before they were called to their court to play their first match.

Their opponents were Abi Matthews and Anna Webster from Avon.

They were put on court three, nearest the Pavilion, so there were plenty of spectators.

It was a very tight and competitive first set; the Devon girls had points to win the first set, but eventually went down.

And suddenly, in a second, the whole situation changed… Sarah went down and the physio was called.

The duo knew instantly that their Wimbledon journey was very likely over.

The pair withdrew from the tournament on Thursday morning, having spent several hours at St George’s A&E on Wednesday night.

Sarah came away with some consolation crutches – not quite the plan - but they both played at Wimbledon and gave it their best.