Two tennis-mad sisters from Liverpool took on BBC North West Tonight’s Tony Livesey on Centre Court on Monday, in preparation for the Tradition-ICAP Liverpool International Tennis Tournament next week.
The Askew sisters, Amy, 16, and Beth, 14, were invited to come down to Calderstones Park and show off their skills as they featured in a preview piece for the programme. “It was really fun, we had a good time, it was funny watching him (Tony) try and return my serve though!” said Amy, who plays on the Junior ITF Tour with younger sister Beth.
Amy has already booked her place in the junior section of next week’s event, having received a wildcard after winning the Under 16’s Girls Singles title at the AEGON British Junior National Championships last year.
However younger sibling Beth will have to play through the qualifying rounds at the David Lloyd Tennis Centre in Speke on Saturday in order to make it a family affair. Both girls are looking to follow in the footsteps of their older sister Emily, 18, who competed in the tournament last year. They also hope to qualify for
some of the bigger tour events this summer, such as Wimbledon: “Hopefully I’m going to play the ITF event in Roehamtpon later this month and if I do well in that then I’ll get into the Junior Championships.” said Amy.
Calderstones Park will also be the venue for a special kid’s day next Tuesday (15th June) with over 3,000 local school children getting the chance to take in all the action on Centre Court.
The event is organised by Liverpool-based sports management company Northern Vision, who work with The Prince’s Trust, the event’s official charity, in order to encourage the inclusion and development of sports programmes for children.
Along with providing a setting for the stars of tomorrow to shine, this year’s Liverpool International Tennis Tournament will also feature the likes of tennis legend John McEnroe, alongside former female tennis great Martina Hingis.
“Hingis was one of those people that have always inspired me, ever since I was really small. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to play with her! It’d be a great experience.” said Beth.
Meanwhile, tickets for the tournament, which takes place from Wednesday 16th June – Sunday 20th June, are still on sale and are available from Northern Vision’s dedicated Liverpool International tennis tournament website www.liverpooltennis.co.uk.
Sean Molyneux