A KEEN tennis player from Coventry who suffers from autism has defied odds to scoop a national competition and land a complimentary game on the Wimbledon grass.
Becky Taylor, who has lived with autism all her life, proved her disability shouldn’t act as a barrier to success after winning the Necker Cup in front of a roaring crowd at Berkshire Health and Racquets Club.
Hosted by Virgin Active, the competition runs across the UK with the aim to unearth some of the nation’s best tennis players.
The Coventry resident has been playing tennis for six years and has previously shown her natural ability on the court having come close to winning the title before.
However this year proved to be third time lucky for Becky as she won the final through sheer determination.
In previous years, the winner of both the male and female Necker Cup Finals have flown to Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island to play in the transatlantic final against the finalist from the USA.
However due to the severity of Becky’s autism, she will unfortunately not make the trip.
Instead, she has been rewarded with a personal recorded message from Sir Richard Branson, a game of tennis at Wimbledon with Andrew Castle, Wimbledon tickets, some Wilson goodies and tickets to Queen’s and the 02.
Becky said: “I’m extremely proud to have won the 2016 Necker Cup competition.
“I’m a great believer in making the best out of my situation and hopefully my victory can inspire others who live with autism to follow their dreams and make the most of their disability.
“It’s a real shame I won’t be able to travel to Necker Island, however I’m more than happy with the prize I have received and would like to thank Virgin Active for their support.”
Gary Stewart, UK Head of Racquets, said: “It’s great to see Becky taking this year’s Necker Cup crown and proves why this competition is inclusive but also what you can achieve if you put your mind to something.
“We hope Becky’s victory has encouraged and motivated many other adults of all abilities with an interest in the sport.”
Majka Serafini, runner up in the female event, will go on to play in the transatlantic final in place of Becky.
