Tennis prodigy Pauline Fisher has been awarded the prestigious Senior Female Player of the Year accolade at the esteemed LTA Tennis Awards, sponsored by Lexus. The star, originating from Wallasey, was honoured with this esteemed recognition at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton. Fisher’s exceptional year of accomplishments, including a gold medal at the ITF Masters World Individual Championships, undoubtedly contributed to her well-deserved victory.
In her own words, the former PE teacher from Bournemouth expressed her delight, stating, “I am truly delighted. Last year just fell into place, I had incredibly good fortune with other people’s injuries and them dropping out, but I did play well. So I am very proud to have achieved what I did.” Fisher also humbly reflected on her unexpected journey, noting, “It is fantastic to play for Great Britain, the opportunities that I have had, I would never have imagined it when I was an eight-year-old or a 16-year-old because I never played professionally. I just played as an amateur and to think that I could play for Great Britain for over 25 years is amazing.”
The LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, serve to showcase and celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals across the tennis landscape in Britain. Since its establishment in 2015, the awards have been a platform for acknowledging the invaluable efforts of volunteers, coaches, officials, and players in propelling the sport’s continuous development and growth. More than 2,200 nominations across 15 different categories were received for the 2024 LTA Tennis Awards, underscoring the depth of talent and commitment within the tennis community.
Fisher, who triumphed with a gold medal in the women’s singles 70s category at the World Championships and a silver medal at the ITF Masters World Team Championships, attributed her early start in tennis to dedicated volunteers. She fondly recalled, “I started at the age of eight with three volunteers who used to just hit the ball to us juniors on a Wednesday night doing it for free 64 years ago, which is just scary!” Her remarkable journey from grassroots tennis to representing Great Britain for over two decades is a true testament to her passion and dedication to the sport.
The LTA President, Sandi Procter, commended the finalists and winners, stating, “The hard work and dedication of all the winners and runners-up are unbelievable, and I am always so impressed by the selfless sacrifice of all the volunteers, officials, and coaches.” Procter emphasized the significance of grassroots tennis and the awards’ role in acknowledging the extraordinary contributions of individuals and venues that foster inclusivity and accessibility in the sport.
The annual LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, continue to be an influential platform for celebrating the unsung heroes and outstanding achievers in British tennis, and Fisher’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to the sport’s enduring spirit and inclusivity. Thank you for contributing to this discussion.