BASINGSTOKE tennis starlet Aisling McGrane admits watching this year’s Wimbledon is made all the more difficult after she fell just short of strutting her stuff at the world-famous venue.

McGrane competed at the HSBC Road to Wimbledon South West Regional Qualifier at the East Glos Club in Cheltenham.

The 12-year-old was playing for a spot at August’s HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14-and-under Challenge at the All England Club but she lost in the second round to eventual winner Erin Richardson, going down 6-3, 6-4.

Despite falling short of a memorable outing at the famous SW19 courts, Bishop Challoner School pupil McGrane is adamant that we have not seen the last of her tennis skills.

“I thought I played really well – it was a bit tough in the second round but a really good experience,” explained McGrane, who beat Sophie Rees 6-4, 6-3 in the opening round.

“It took me a while to get going but then I managed to come back.

“I was pleased with my performance in the first round though. It was good to get the win.

“I’ve done Road to Wimbledon before but although I’ve won a match, I’ve never made it all the way to Wimbledon.

“It would have meant a lot to have the chance to play there because it’s my dream to go there as a professional.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14-and-under Challenge is the largest junior tournament in the UK.

Although McGrane failed to advance to Wimbledon, former British No.1 Tim Henman believes she is still very much one to watch out for in the future.

“Players are always disappointed when they miss out on qualifying for the HSBC Road to Wimbledon National Final and a chance to play on the grass courts at Wimbledon,” said Henman.

“Hopefully Aisling will be spurred on to greater achievements in her junior career and who knows maybe even play at The Championships as a professional player in the future.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14-and-under Challenge is the UK’s largest national junior grass court tournament and forms part of HSBC’s investment in the stars of the future.