Ilkley

Canda · Junior player

Ilkley

Shhh · Challenger level

....even Jaggy!

I like your style Canda biggrin

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

It's a lovely post, Canda.
Like you, sometimes I wake up and the events in the world are so overwhelming, I hurry here, as a sort of safe haven

I hope life is treating you a little better, and that tennis - and the forum - continues to provide a bit of light relief, or diversion, or comfort .....
And here's to Ilkely ! And all our local events.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

My clones and I really appreciate the people on this board too.

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

Hey Canda - I can relate on so many levels. Firstly, like you, I reach this board and life feels ok....secondly, Ilkley - wow! What a place it is! We live 30 mins away, 15 miles or so and love Ilkley. We think where we live, Harrogate, is posh. And Ilkley out poshes us! I love the tournie too, like you do, it is a place I go and watch high level tennis but it also brings back memories of playing there in the annual tournie as a kid!

Love your post and glad you are part of our community!

the addict · Tennis legend

Lovely post Canda. I am another one who logs in first thing in the morning to catch up, and usually stay logged in all day, even when I have gone out for an hour or two ! I really appreciate the people here and the discussions both on the board and privately.

I can also relate to seeing the younger players before they shot up the rankings - Harriet and Katy Dunne as teenagers at Chiswick back in 2015 and quite a few others there in the next few years (not all teenagers but current names) - Beth, Lissey, Sam, Jodie (injured and in a boot), Freya etc. And so pleased I made the effort to go to Surbiton this year and Wimbledon qualies - Isabelle, Hannah, Mimi and Marni.

Strongbow · All-time great

Christine · Intermediate Club Player

Ditto to all this

paulisi · Tennis legend

If you enjoy Ilkley and finding the next generation, you should try and get along to ITF juniors or TE events.

I've had the pleasure of seeing some top players starting out. The likes of Jodie Burrage, Emma Raducanu, Marni Banks, Mimi Xu, Isabelle Lacey, Aidan McHugh to name just a few.

SuperT · Futures qualifying

This message stuck a chord with me too as I share Canda's appreciation of the community. Back in 2017 I came across Steven on Twitter and he led me here where I was amazed to discover I could follow the progress of our players all over the world. I have enjoyed learning more about the professional tennis scene from so many knowledgable individuals, but have also felt comfortable amongst a group of mostly like minded people who are still capable of debating sensitive topics without trying to stir up hatred and division which seems to be so prevalent now.

I also learnt about the joys of Wimbledon qualifying and had the privilege of watching (among others) Gabby Taylor, Katie Boulter, Harriet, and a 15 year old Emma Raducanu, long before they were household names. It's always a joy seeing new talent emerge and I look forward to following the likes of Hannah and Mimi in the years to come. Unfortunately I'm based in the south so Ilkey isn't that convenient for me as I'd love to go.

Jaggy1876 · Grand Slam Champion

Canda wrote:
I didnt know what to call this post, but Ilkley seems the most relatable. I have been going through a hard time in the past 18months, through relocating between NW and NE England and divorce and rheum arthritis. I have been going to see the Ilkley tournament for some years now whether travelling from Lancaster or down from Alnwick; it has been a highlight of my tennis year. This year I saw Mimi and Hannah Klugman, previously saw Lily and Harriet and Jodie, also a very young Pegula! Just goes to show what stars of the future you can see at Ilkley. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
And now when I read through the latest match reports worldwide I feel thankful that I have seen these players and feel I know them.
This community of ours means so much to me. I wake in the night or in the early morning to read the comments of , to name but a few, Indiana, Coup Droit, Paulisi, JonH, Bob in whatever, the addict, even Jaggy, and feel I am with friends.
Im hoping to manage to pick up a tennis racket again soon. Just wanted to say thanks everyone for keeping me posted on this wonderful game of tennis. Xx

That also made me smile Canda, glad to be mentioned in such esteemed circles there. Hope you get back to full fitness keep fighting you can do it. And next summer will be here in no time and you will be back at Ilkley or wherever takes your fancy.

All the best x

Even Jaggy

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

Anyone taking a trip to Ilkley next summer, really does need to spend a day at least
In Harrogate whilst there.

Here is some of the reason why

www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/dec/23/just-for-christmas-the-harrogate-pub-that-becomes-the-sleigh-reindeers

The Coach (or for now the Sleigh) is my local.

And Bettys and Harlow Carr well worth a trip anytime of the year.