Ronke Phillips began her profession as a radio reporter working for more than one BBC radio station. Ronke is now a Senior Correspondent at ITV London News.
Her work has been recognised by the Royal Television Society, and she has also won two Amnesty International awards and a Women In Film and Television award. Interview by April Tod
How old were you when you first picked up a tennis racket?
I’m too old to remember! I went to school in Putney and tennis was built into our sports lessons, so I played every week in the 1st-3rd years.
Who would be your ideal tennis partner and why?
I would love to have played with Authur Ashe. He would have had me running around the court like a headless chicken, but I wouldn’t have minded.
It would have been an honour just to meet him. As a teenager I remember him winning Wimbledon in a gripping match against the overwhelming favourite Jimmy Connors.
The pair had an acrimonious relationship and Connors had beaten him previously.
I still remember watching the game with a large group of friends and family. It was one of those occasions when one moment we were collectively holding our breath and the next we were cheering and hugging each other.
It was the match that got me hooked on tennis.
What’s been your most memorable tennis match?
Every match I play is memorable for me – because I always lose!
What’s the strongest part of your game?
I have a pretty mean forehand return.
What’s your favourite tennis club in the UK?
I am very fortunate to be a member of The Hulringham. My favourite time is in the summer, on one of the grass courts. There really isn’t anywhere better to play.
What’s your favourite tennis resort?
I’ve never been to one but in the 80’s I worked in Jamaica and played every morning at the Pegasus Hotel.
What’s your favourite resort in the world?
I’m not really a resort person. My favourite place is too isolated for tennis. It’s in Zambia. The Royale Lodge in Chiawa way down the Zambesi, but there’s no tennis!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given on the tennis court?
Keep your eye on the ball.
What racket are you playing with these days?
It’s a Wilson/Federer racket given to me by a great tennis writer friend of mine.
Who are your favourite tennis players, have you played with any of them?
Too many to name: Martina Navratolova, Steffi Graff, the Williams sisters. This year I was gripped by the sheer skill and athleticism of the Spanish player, Carlos Alcaraz. Sadly, I’ve never had a chance to play with any of them.