Jack Draper inspires next generation of tennis talent as junior tournament returns to Wimbledon

Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is back for 2025, giving emerging tennis players the chance to compete on Wimbledon’s world-famous grass courts this summer. Whether new to the sport or a seasoned player, Play Your Way to Wimbledon allows individuals across a range of abilities to participate in competitive tennis with junior, adult and disability categories open for entry.

As Jack Draper prepares to arrive at Wimbledon as the current world No.4, young players inspired by the US Open semi-finalist have the pathway to follow in his star-studded footsteps.

This year, the ITF World Tennis Number (WTN) bands - the criteria used for entry into Play Your Way to Wimbledon events and akin to a handicap in golf - have changed, shifting to ensure more recreational players, who wouldn’t normally consider playing competitive tennis, have the chance to give it a go.

This applies to non-disability categories, with disability events having their own criteria, which can be found on the LTA website, along with more information about the competition.

The event is Britain’s largest mass participation tennis competition, and in 2024, garnered more than 13,000 entrants from across the country. With an expanded entry criteria, this year’s competition aims to see even more people pick up a racket and enjoy fun competition across all local, county and national stages.

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“Play Your Way to Wimbledon is such a brilliant competition and it’s been great to see the continued commitment of Vodafone, alongside the LTA & the AELTC, in making this event as inclusive as possible," says 22-time Grand Slam doubles champion and Vodafone ambassador Alfie Hewett. "I’m really pleased to be involved again in 2025 and look forward to seeing the competition unfold. Best of luck to everyone taking part.”

His doubles partner, Gordon Reid said: “It has been wonderful to see the growing participation in Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, over the years. The chance for participants from all different backgrounds and ability levels to potentially play at one of the world's most iconic sports venues is so exciting, and I’d encourage anyone interested to get involved!”

In 2025, players can enter the following categories within the respective WTN criteria bands (WTN bands do not apply to disability events):

• 14U Junior Singles – WTN 32.0 to 40.9
• 18U Junior Doubles – WTN 28.0 to 40.9
• 19+ Adult Doubles – WTN 25.0 to 40.9
• Wheelchair Adult and Junior
• Learning Disability
• Visually Impaired

Olly Scadgell, Managing Director of Tennis Development at the LTA said, “Every year, it’s brilliant to see thousands of people from across Britain get involved in Play Your Way to Wimbledon.

"We’ve seen record tennis participation in recent years, and Play Your Way to Wimbledon gives those just starting their tennis journey, as well as more regular players, the chance to get a taste of competitive tennis, with opportunities like these helping people to grow their love of the sport and keep playing for years to come.”

Jamie Baker, Associate Director of Professional Tennis at the All England Club, said: “We are excited to create further opportunities for emerging tennis players to step foot and play on Wimbledon’s grass courts, with the expansion of the ITF World Tennis Number bandings encouraging a wider range of players to participate.

"Working in partnership with Vodafone and collaboration with the LTA, we hope this year’s competition continues to inspire more individuals to pick up their racket, and we look forward to hosting the national finals at SW19 later this year.”

Players eager to get involved and sign up to a qualifying event can find their nearest host venue at https://www.lta.org.uk/compete/play-your-way-to-wimbledon/