Meet club member Stella Fitzgerald – find out why her tennis-playing high point was the mother of all games and why all women keep score!
What’s your earliest memory of playing tennis?
I hated it… It was far too muddy to play hockey that day! When I returned to the court many years later, I instantly regretted my initial judgment.
What do you love about Woodbridge?
I can’t think of any negatives. I have heard it fittingly described as ‘One of Suffolk’s best kept secrets.’
What has been the high point of your playing career so far?
Beating my son, Cameron!!
What music are you into?
I play music all the time at work and enjoy most genres except for electrophonic and country.
Who is your all-time tennis hero and why?
Andre Agassi. Not a bad player for someone who hated tennis. He was a typical celebrity during his early years, but I became a tennis fan when he made his comeback and fought his way back to the top. It was quite impressive. His work with under privileged children and their education is equally impressive.
Bjorn Borg or Roger Federer – why?
Roger Federer plays with effortless style. A joy to behold.
Who would you most like to play – current or former tennis player?
Justine Henan
How do you think you’d do against them?
I would hope to take away a few good backhand tips
Glass of Adnams or Aspalls?
Sparkling Adnams all the way.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about playing?
‘Watch the ball’ has clearly been indoctrinated into most of us and it is very important but for competitive play, I think ‘always play the point as if it is your last’
What is the best part of your game?
Running down the ball.
What’s not so good/room for improvement?
My serve and subsequent service game. I don’t think I’m very good at initiating play. I often use Jon as my imaginary daemon telling me what I should have done.
What’s your favourite film?
Bridget Jones
What do you like doing away from the court?
Whittling in my workshop
What is the best piece of advice for beginner’s?
Play as often as you can and ‘watch that ball’!
Which five people (living or dead) would be at your dream dinner party?
Stephen Fry, Margaret Thatcher, Dick Strawbridge, Freddy Mercury, Vivienne Westwood and maybe Andre Agassi as charity guest speaker?