ITN top news reporter Rags Martel’s is famous for exposing the Grenfell Tower scandal but does he have his name on the honours board at his local tennis club in Surrey…
Interview by April Tod
How old were you when you first picked up a tennis racket?
Growing up in Spain, tennis courts were always around. As a young schoolboy, I remember being sent to a tennis summer camp. But I only picked up a racquet with meaning after seeing Andre Agassi play at Roland-Garros in 1988. His jean shorts and furious hitting made me fall in love with the game.
Who ideal tennis partner?
Nadal – the successor to Agassi. With Rafa’s will to win, I’d be in good hands. Oddly, he’s a lefty who is right-handed, and I’m the opposite. I play right-handed but write with my left.
What’s been your most memorable match?
Andy Murray winning Olympic gold at Wimbledon. I was lucky enough to cover the 2012 Games for ITV News. I was on Centre Court as Andy Murray finally beat Federer in a Grand Slam final. That victory changed everything for Sir Andy. Also special to see players competing in national colours – rather than Wimbledon whites.
What’s the strongest part of your game?
Still forever learning and improving. But I’ve won most points with my crosscourt forehand.
What’s your favourite tennis club in the UK?
My club, Pensford, is in Richmond where I live. It’s small, friendly – and cheap compared to other places. My lifelong dream is to have my name inscribed in the wood on the Champion’s board… Still a work in progress.
What’s your favourite tennis resort in the world?
Honestly don’t have the luxury of having one. But when I go back home to visit family in Marbella – there are lots of lovely courts to choose from. I’d recommend the Club De Tennis Bel Air – they take their tennis seriously and have some great coaches.
What’s your favourite post-match meal?
Probably finishing off my half-eaten banana that I would have started during the match.
What’s the best piece of tennis advice you have been given?
I once filmed with Patrick Mouratoglou (Serena Williams’s former coach). In an off-hand remark, he told me I was: “a good competitor”. Those words, in his French accent, ring in my head. Always compete, even if you are losing.
What racket are you playing with these days?
Babolat Pure Aero. I love it
Who have been your favourite tennis players and have you played with any of them?
Carlos Alcaraz is always amazing to watch. But I played with the new British No 1 Jack Draper in December (2023) when the UTS tournament came to London. Somehow managed to be 2-0 in the tiebreak-style format – before being soundly beaten. Think Jack just needed to warm up his server and get going.
Follow Rags on Social Media
@RagsMartel on X (Twitter)
@ragsmartel on Instragam