In the latest series of ‘Me and My Tennis‘ Former Olympic Alpine Skier Chemmy Alcott, who began playing tennis at a young age, now enjoys spending her spare moments on the court. Balancing life as a mother, she loves nothing more than a game of tennis at her local club. Words April Tod
How old were you when you first picked up a tennis rackets?
There was a local court 50 m from my house in Marble Hill Park and my parents loved tennis. I started around 4 but I always remember no one wanted to play with me as I wasn’t good enough so I would just hit the ball over net on spare court then run around and collect then hit back and repeat. I must have got a lot of steps in! I remember finding a wall to play against was revolutionary!
Who would be your ideal tennis partner?
Andy Murray – not just for his tennis ability but his great dry banter. I love his sarcasm and personality so it would be very entertaining.
What’s been your most memorial tennis match?
I played for Middlesex when I was younger, and I remember getting to the finals of a big comp with the winning point in my control. My competitor called it out.. (we were self-umpiring) and I thought it was in and I lost it mentally and threw the whole game. It was an important lesson for me ending up being a professional skier about the power of a positive and present mind set.
What’s the strongest part of your game?
Everyone always calls me aggressive. I prefer attacking but I hit the ball hard. My overhead volley is my strongest and favourite stroke.
What’s your favourite tennis club in the UK?
Imber Court in Surrey – strangely my coach from when I played for Middlesex in 1995 is there so I see Clinton Lamprecht often.
What’s your favourite tennis resort in the world?
I love to play in Kitzbuhel. Obviously famous for the Hahnenkamm ski race but the tennis is pretty special surrounded by epic mountains.
What’s your favourite post-match meal?
Trimbella banana protein and a trek biscoff bar!
What’s the best piece of tennis advice you have been given?
You don’t always have to kill the ball – you can just play the point shot by shot.
What tennis racket are you playing with these days?
Wilson Six.One Team
Who has been your favourite tennis players, and have you played with any of them?
I did a Fila tennis day at Hurlingham and got to pair with Mark Philippoussis – that was so fun – but I did a lot of spectating!! I’ve also played with a number of other sports personalities including Damon Hill.
For further information on Chemmy Click Here