Millfield Prep tennis player reaches Road to Wimbledon Regional Finals​

Millfield Prep School pupil Charlie Ruffell has competed in the Road to Wimbledon Regional Finals.

Charlie, from Bridgwater, was selected for the event after successfully qualifying at the South West Regional finals. He battled against three players, who were ranked in the top 10 of the year group above him, playing on the prestigious courts at Wimbledon.

Thirteen year old Charlie, who joined Millfield Prep in Year 4, is moving into Year 9 at Millfield where he will continue his tennis alongside his studies.

Charlie, who was excited to compete at Wimbledon, says, “Millfield have helped tremendously with the support of Mrs Thomas, Millfield Prep’s Director of Tennis, and allowing me to continue my regional development training at Bath University. Millfield tennis coach, Richard Gabb, has been my coach for the first part of this season, and Dan Manlow has supported me through more recent times including Wimbledon.”

On what the future holds for his tennis, he added, “I think a US university would be a realistic target, however the tennis journey is a long one and can easily change. The thing I am most looking forward to at Millfield is a little bit more freedom and meeting new people, and to be able to train on the campus facilities.”

Millfield has a long-lasting legacy at the Road to Wimbledon competition. Director of Tennis, Alexandra Walker, won the girls single events when she was a junior and tennis coach, and Richard Gabb won the doubles in the same year.

Alexandra says, “Charlie reaching the Regional Finals of this prestigious event is a fantastic achievement, and particularly since he still has another year in this age group. This is testament to the tremendous dedication and passion with which Charlie approaches his tennis every day. I have no doubt that the experience he has gained this year will stand him in great stead to go even further in next year’s event.”

Road to Wimbledon is the UK’s largest, junior grass court competition. An initiative staged by the All England Lawn Tennis Club to promote tennis in the UK and across the globe. Over 9,000 under fourteen-year-olds compete annually for a place in the finals at Wimbledon.