When she’s not touring Elaine Paige OBE can often be seen on the tennis court, April Tod speaks to the actress, singer, producer and radio presenter, about her favourite sport
How old were you when you first picked up a tennis racket?
About 12yrs old . We had a tennis court at school & played as part of our PE lessons every week . I’d hit a ball against the wall of our house as well for hours on end. Much to my sisters annoyance! I had ambitions to become a professional player until my Head Mistress pointed out ‘’Elaine dear you can’t even see over the net!”” She dashed my hopes in one sentence!
Who would be your ideal tennis partner?
Without doubt Roger Federer, I love his effortless rhythmic serve & his single handed backhand. He has every shot in the book and is most elegant graceful player to watch. Almost Balletic. At the top of his game and the man to beat for over 20 years . An Icon both on and off or the court. An absolute legend ..I could go on!
What’s been your most memorable tennis match?
Name dropping …Probably playing with Virginia Wade at a charity tennis match at Birmingham Arena opposite Stefan Edberg & Henri Leconte. More frightening than any first night that for sure!
What’s the strongest part of your game?
I’m not sure I have one! But I’m quite good at the net with a volley or two!
What’s your favourite tennis club in the UK?
My club…Queens Club & Wimbledon of course.
Where’s your favourite tennis resort in the world?
I’d say Monaco has one of the most beautiful clubs in the world which I love to visit. I had a great tennis holiday at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy in Tampa Florida where I played for hours every day for a week until my knees swelled and I had to take another holiday to recover.
What’s your favourite post match meal?
Pasta. My favourite being Puttanesca. All those tomatoes black olives capers & anchovies. I must suggest it for the menu at Queens Club.
What’s the best piece of tennis advice you’ve been given?
Too many to mention, but my coach who loves musical theatre, reminds me to relax ”It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!
What racket are you playing with these days?
A Wilson Ultra 108 …weight 265 …strung with natural gut. I love it.
Who has been your favourite tennis players and have you played with any of them?
Once a year at Wimbledon, I used to love watching Billie Jean, Yvonne Goolagong, Margaret Court Christine Truman, Sue Barker and Virginia Wade. I’ve actually played on the Margaret Court court in Australia when I was there doing a concert tour. The next era of Chris Evert & Navratilova were fabulous as were Steffi Graff and now Swiatek & Sabalenka. I’ve followed tennis all my life.
The Guys… I loved Rod Laver he was the one to beat Fred Stolle Santana Arthur Ash John Newcombe, then later it was Jimmy Conners no 1 in 70’s Roger Taylor, John Lloyd, Borg, McEnroe, right through to my favourite of all time Roger Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, not forgetting Andy Murray & now I’m loving Carlos Alacaraz & Yannik Sinner they are amazing. You could say I’ve been obsessed with the game both to watch & play for as long as I can remember.