First Inter-County Walking Tennis match between Middlesex and Surrey took place this month
A little piece of walking tennis history was made recently when Highgate Tennis Club travelled across the county border to The Wimbledon Club for what is believed to be the first-ever inter-club walking tennis fixture between Middlesex and Surrey.
From the moment they arrived, the Highgate players received a wonderfully warm welcome from Rosanna and the team at The Wimbledon Club. The fixture was about much more than the tennis. It was a chance to visit another club, experience its facilities, meet fellow walking tennis players and share ideas about how the sport can continue to grow.
Competitive on court, friendly off it
Both clubs play to the same walking tennis rules, but the match highlighted just how diverse the walking tennis community is. Clubs naturally attract players with different ages, experiences and levels of mobility – something that could help shape the way future inter-club competitions are organised.
And there was certainly plenty of competition on court, with The Wimbledon Club taking a 4–1 victory.
But the scoreline was very much secondary to the occasion.
The real win was seeing players from two counties come together through a sport that is competitive, social and inclusive.
The match was only half the story
As with so many walking tennis sessions, the social side proved just as important as what happened on court.
After the matches, players from both clubs sat down for lunch, sharing stories, exchanging ideas and talking about the future of walking tennis. New friendships were formed and there was plenty of enthusiasm for more opportunities to play against other clubs.
The day demonstrated how far walking tennis has come – and how much potential there is for it to develop further.
It also comes at an exciting time for Middlesex, which is preparing to host its inaugural Open Walking Tennis Tournament in September.
A first step towards something bigger
This pioneering fixture could be the beginning of something special: more clubs crossing county borders, more players meeting new opponents and more opportunities to enjoy walking tennis in a competitive but welcoming environment.
A huge thank you to Rosanna, everyone at The Wimbledon Club and all the players from both clubs for making the day such a memorable success.
Here’s hoping this really is just the first of many inter-club walking tennis fixtures – and another important step in the continued growth of walking tennis across the country.
📸 Photos: Players from Highgate and The Wimbledon Club celebrate after the match, alongside a lunchtime gathering that perfectly captured the friendly, sociable spirit of walking tennis.
