Cranbrook’s Matt Knoesen proved that third time’s the charm as he lifted silverware on the manicured lawns of Wimbledon, enjoying an unforgettable experience at SW19.
Knoesen, 13, was playing at Wimbledon for the third time and won the men’s wheelchair event at the national finals at Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, which is Britain’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition and is delivered in partnership with the LTA and the All England Club.
Play Your Way to Wimbledon men’s wheelchair winner Matt Knoesen Picture: Jamie McPhilimey
Thousands of players took part in the qualifying stages this year, leading to county and regional finals in June and July, with the winners progressing to the national finals on Wimbledon’s Aorangi Courts last week.
After finishing second in the junior wheelchair competition two years ago, and third in the men’s wheelchair last year, Knoesen finally got his hands on the coveted trophy this time around.
He said: “Even though it’s my third time playing at Wimbledon, each and every time is just as special.
“They say the third time’s the charm and this was definitely the case. It means a lot to me because it’s a tournament that I’ve been very close to winning for the past couple of years, so it feels good to finally get over the line.
“The highlight of the week was getting to spend it with my dad.”
The event, which took place between 2-8 August, offers recreational tennis players of all ages and abilities the opportunity to compete on Wimbledon’s acclaimed grass courts, less than a month after The Championships.
In addition, participants received a tour of the grounds and enjoyed a taste of what it is like competing at Wimbledon, observing the all-white dress code and using the official player facilities.
Last year saw over 11,000 players taking part in the competition, with more than 780 venues hosting the initial stages and 340 players reaching the national finals.
This year’s Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, and supported by the All England Club and the LTA, hosted under-14 junior singles, under-18 junior doubles, over-19s adult doubles, wheelchair adult and junior, learning disability and visually impaired categories, plus para standing and deaf competitions – newly formalised categories for 2026.
A coaching clinic for under-14 players was also conducted by head coach of the All England Club, Dan Bloxham.
Play Your Way to Wimbledon encourages tennis enthusiasts of all levels to pick up a racket and get involved in the sport. Participants begin by competing locally at their club, park or school before progressing to county and/or area finals and eventually reaching the national finals at Wimbledon.
Jamie Baker, associate director of professional tennis and tournament director of The Championships, Wimbledon said: “In partnership with Vodafone and the LTA, we are delighted to open up Play Your Way to Wimbledon to even more players with the addition of para-standing and deaf competitions.
“For many of these players, competing on Wimbledon’s grass courts will be their first experience on the surface. We hope this competition continues to inspire players of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to discover the fun and benefits of tennis.”
Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition. It is part of Vodafone’s ongoing commitment as Official Connectivity Partner to The Championships, to connect more people with the sports and events they love, while supporting grassroots tennis and making the sport more accessible to players of all ages and abilities.