Sixteen-year-old Natalie Wall, from West Derby, is currently ranked #25 in the Lawn Tennis Association ratings for female players (16 and under).
Having already worked as a ball girl for the tournament for a number of years, this year she has been given the chance of playing there on a wild card.
North Liverpool Academy student Natalie first picked up a tennis racquet when she was seven years old at a summer school at Wavertree Tennis Centre. A coach quickly noticed her talent and the rest, she says, spiralled from there.
She now trains every day after school at facilities across the North West, and is about to start working with a new professional coach with the aim of increasing her ranking and taking her career to the next level.
She says: “Tennis has always been my passion, and the chance to play in the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament this summer, right on my own doorstep, but alongside some of the world’s biggest tennis stars is an incredibly exciting opportunity for me!”
“My main focus over the next 18 months is on training hard, improving my ranking and getting ready to compete in more tournaments on a national and international level.”
Natalie has already competed in under-16’s tournaments across Europe, and was also part of the Great Britain Davis Cup at the Echo Arena in 2009 where she was a ball-girl.
Anders Borg, Director of the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament explains, “As well as attracting some of the most famous names in tennis to Liverpool, the tournament is also heavily focused on supporting and encouraging the next generation of up-and-coming talent, which is why we welcome young ‘wild card’ players into the event.
“We have known Natalie for a number of years, and she is definitely ‘one to watch’.”
For rising star Natalie, she is also looking for sponsorship to take her career to the next level on the professional tour circuit.
Her Dad, Martin Wall adds, “Natalie has so much raw potential, but we have reached a stage where she needs a helping hand to make that big jump up to the next level. We know she has the talent, but right now need to appeal for any kind of sponsorship or funding to allow her to keep training with a professional coach and mentor to bring her along and increase her ranking. We would love to speak to any companies or individuals who might be able to help.”
The Liverpool International Tennis Tournament takes place at Calderstones Park this summer from June 21 to 25.
For more information on the event, tickets prices and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.liverpooltennis.co.uk.
Bill Graham, Prenton around 4 months ago