She has taken on our coach Jon and won! And now she’s lending a hand (and racket) to help out with training junior players at Woodbridge Tennis Club, so find out more about one of the club’s passionate younger members, Amy Gilmore.
What’s your earliest memory of playing tennis?
Playing tennis with my Dad in our back garden, I can vividly remember my determination to get the ball back and keep the rally going. I was six at the time.
What do you love about Woodbridge?
I love how family friendly it is and I love the River Deben – it’s a great place to go for walks.
What has been the high point of your playing career so far?
Obviously ‘beating’ Jon during a game of beat the coach at my first tennis camp when I was 7!
What music are you into?
Anything with a good beat! Right now I’m really enjoying listening to George Ezra and Sigrid.
Who is your all-time tennis hero and why
Definitely Serena Williams. She’s such a powerful person both on court and in life. Maya Angelou’s poem ’Still I Rise’ is incredibly powerful and, for me, describes perfectly Serena’s power in overcoming the adversities that she has faced.
Who would you most like to play – current or former tennis stars?
Roger Federer!
How do you think you’d do against them?
Obviously I’d win. I mean it’s not like I would be playing against one of the best male tennis stars to have ever graced this planet!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about playing?
If you’ve lost the last point don’t allow that to dictate how the next point will go.
Which current tennis players would be good fun for a day out in Woodbridge and where would you take them?
Serena Williams and Andy Murray – especially if they brought their kids. I love kids which is one of the reasons I love helping out at tennis camps and lessons! I would take them to the Silver Rocket Cafe that comes to the Woodbridge Market on Thursdays for some delicious vegan food and then go for a walk along the river!
What is the best part of your game?
My forehand.
What’s not so good/room for improvement?
Definitely my serve and being more ruthless on court!
What’s your favourite film?
‘The Blind Side’ without a doubt! I love its message of inclusivity and that everyone is equal no matter their social standing or the colour of their skin. I think that it’s a very important message to remember and to practise.
What do you like doing away from the court?
Amy loves swimming at Southwold
I love volunteering at Red Rose Chain and being a part of their youth theatre (which is free!). I also love going for walks with my Dad in Rendlesham Forest, sea swimming down at Southwold and photography. So long as the activity involves working with teams of people or being active (or both) I’m happy!
What makes Woodbridge Tennis Club special?
I love that there is something for all ages and abilities.
Which five people (living or dead) would be at your dream party?
Nikola Tesla, Elon Musk, my Dad, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela.