COLCHESTER tennis starlet Ashlie Hale admits watching this year’s Wimbledon will be all the more difficult after she narrowly missed out on playing at the world famous venue.

Hale had the chance to make SW19 as she competed in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon East Regional Qualifier at Gosling Sports Park, in Welwyn Garden City.

The 13-year-old was playing for a spot at August’s HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 and Under Challenge at the All England Club, but lost 4-6, 7-5, 10-7 to Alexandra Hildreth, in the first round.

But despite falling short of a memorable outing at the famous courts, the Stanway School pupil is adamant we have not seen the last of her.

“I’ve never played her before,” said Hale, who trains at Ipswich Sports Club. “It was a bit of a marathon match, very long but I really enjoyed it.

“It was tough to lose but I definitely took some good experiences from it.

“I have learned that my shots need to be a bit higher over the net, so that I can be a bit more consistent.

“She was getting a lot of free points from me and that made the difference in the match.

“I haven’t played this tournament before, but I’ll be coming back next year.

“It’s been great with a great vibe around the place and nice and calm.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 and under Challenge began in 2002.

It is the largest junior tournament in the UK, involving 850 clubs, parks and schools, with youngsters bidding to reach the national final at the All England Club.

Athough Hale failed to advance, former British number one 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, Ashlie will be spurred on to greater achievements in her junior career and who knows maybe even to play at The Championships as a professional player in the future.”

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.