SOUTHAMPTON’S Esther Adeshina admitted lifting the winners’ trophy was the icing on the cake after finally getting the chance to play at SW19 as part of the HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 and Under Challenge Finals.

The 13-year-old West Hants Club starlet has often dreamt about starring on the famous Wimbledon lawn courts, imagining one day she would get the chance to strut her stuff there, writes Pippa Field.

And her opportunity came last week having booked herself a spot at SW19 after competing in her regional finals.

She fell just short of victory in the girls singles main draw, losing out 6-4, 6-3 on Saturday to Mahak Jain.

However there would be no stopping her in the doubles as she and partner Olivia Elliott overcame Sasha Hill and Erin Richardson 4-6, 6-0, 10-8.

“I’m so happy we came through to win as it would have been extra disappointing to lose that doubles after missing out on the singles,” said Adeshina, who received her trophy from former British number one and HSBC tournament ambassador Tim Henman.

“The singles final was a really good match. Mahak played really well and there wasn’t much in it, so well done to her.

“I need to be a bit more consistent in the longer rallies, but overall I’m really happy with how I’ve played throughout the week, and to reach two finals is a great result.

“I was really happy after the singles semi-final as I put out the top seed. I want to carry on playing this well.

“It’s been a really good experience this week as I don’t play too many grass tournaments and to play at Wimbledon where all the pros play is amazing – hopefully I can be one of them one day.

“It’s been really inspiring seeing Tim Henman here all week too. He tells us we need to keep on working as hard as we can, and that is what I want to do.”

Adeshina even got the chance to meet former British number one and tournament ambassador Henman.

“There’s 20,000 kids every year with the Road to Wimbledon and it’s great to see how the standard has improved over the years,” said Henman, a four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist.

“There are some really good young players. It’s a great carrot for the youngsters to have this opportunity to play at Wimbledon.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & 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.