A TALENTED young tennis player's dreams became reality when she sampled the special atmosphere of Wimbledon's Centre Court last weekend.
Abi Curry, 11, from Carlton, near Stockton, stepped on to the hallowed turf as one of just eight British youngsters chosen to demonstrate their skills to the show court crowds.
They have been selected by the Lawn Tennis Association for the Ariel Champions of the Future programme and Abi, a pupil at Red House School in Norton, will have the chance to hone her skills at a three-day training camp at Bisham Abbey later this year.
Abi, a member of the Tennis World club in Middlesbrough and rated the third best junior in the country, said: "It is really exciting for us all. To play on the same court that champions like Tim Henman play on is like a dream come true".
Mark Cox, the LTA's director of futures programme, added: "Playing at Wimbledon, and especially on Centre Court, is a dream come true for these juniors. I hope this inspires more kids out there to maximise their tennis potential".
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