Sheffield tennis icon gives youngsters a masterclass

Roger, a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion at his peak, was at Ponds Forge with scores of youngsters.

The venue hosted a festival of tennis to celebrate the arrival of the Davis Cup trophy in Sheffield.

Great Britain won the competition for the first time in 79 years in 2015.

Still playing at 74, Roger joined schools, clubs, coaches and scores of players from across the region for the event.

Youngsters and fans were given the chance to have a photo taken with both the Davis Cup trophy and Roger.

Yorkshire Tennis chairman John Crowther said tennis was accessible to all in Sheffield. He said: “Sheffield has a reputation for being the city of sport, and its investment in tennis reinforces this claim.

“The Lawn Tennis Association, in partnership with Sheffield Council, is ensuring that tennis is accessible for anyone who wants to play.

“The response to our initiatives has been eye-opening, and our hope is to see more stars such as Roger and more recently Jonny Marray – who became a Wimbledon doubles champion – and David Sherwood emerge from the city.”

Steve Brailey chief executive of SIV, which operates Ponds Forge,said: “The Great Britain team winning the Davis Cup for the first time in 79 years really captured the nation and getting turnouts like today’s event really do prove that.

“It’s always exciting to welcome such high profile events and sports personalities to Ponds Forge. I hope this event goes on to inspire the young people who came along today to get involved in sport.”