Talking Tennis with… Lucy Shuker, Britain’s #1 Wheelchair Player

We chatted to Lucy Shuker about her amazing career in wheelchair tennis, and what the sport means to her and to all the players she hopes to inspire…

“...You will never regret picking up a racket but you might regret it if you don’t…”

Lucy Shuker is Britain's number one female wheelchair tennis player with a career high of number 5 in the world. She has won over 100 career titles and three Paralympic medals, and continues to inspire a new generation of wheelchair athletes as the sport grows.

We caught up with Lucy on the back of her recent success on the tour to find out what tennis means to her, how the game has developed over her career, and her hopes for the sport…

When did you first fall in love with tennis? 

I loved it from the first moment to be honest, I liked how I could play against anyone, my friends and family and it gave me the freedom to start building up my confidence and dealing with my spinal cord injury. It really is the best thing about tennis. 

It is such an adaptable and socially inclusive sport and there are so many opportunities to get involved.

How did you get into the sport?

I first started playing wheelchair tennis following a motorbike accident in 2001. Having spent 10 months in Salisbury Spinal Ward, I met Pete Norfolk, former World No.1 Wheelchair Quad Player when I was purchasing my first wheelchair. He was very helpful and when asking about my life prior to my accident, and learning I had played Badminton at county standard he suggested I try wheelchair tennis.

He even lent me a tennis wheelchair to get started and came and had a hit with me. 

What has tennis given you?

Tennis has undoubtedly given me so many opportunities that I had never dreamed possible. I’ve been to four Paralympic Games, won 3 Paralympic medals and competed at all four of the tennis Grand Slams. 

Along the way I’ve met so many people all over the world and had some incredible experiences. I feel very fortunate to be able to compete internationally, to represent my country and to be able to get up every day and do something I love which has in turn made me stronger and better able to deal with everyday life in a wheelchair. 

What is a typical training schedule for a top wheelchair tennis player? 

Wheelchair tennis is a professional sport, formally funded by the UK National Lottery and now the LTA. We are very lucky to be able to be full time athletes in the UK. I train five to six days a week combining both on court training with Strength & Conditioning programmes. I also work hard on the mental aspect of my game with a Sports Psychologist. 

It is pretty full on, but I love it and I love working hard to be the best version of me. It isn’t easy and the depth of the game is growing year on year, it’s an exciting time for wheelchair tennis and I am incredibly proud to still be out there competing amongst the best in the world. 

Who or what inspires you the most in tennis?

There have been so many inspirations to me along my journey. Esther Vegeer was at the top of Wheelchair Tennis when I first started playing and her career was record breaking at the time. Her work ethic and dedication were incredibly inspiring and that’is something I have tried to mirror in my own career. 

Coaches have also been an inspiration to me along the way. My first coach Natalie Ayton helped to build some strong foundations in my game and developed me into much of the player I am today for that I will always be incredibly grateful and treasure the years that we worked together.

Have you had any great friendships or rivalries over the years?

There have been many great friendships and rivalries over the years on the tour. Most of all friendships though.  I’ve met some incredible people who’ve taught me so much and who I’ve enjoyed some incredible memories with. I love catching up with old friends at international tournaments and look forward to seeing people, even if just once a year when we return to the same tournaments.

What is your proudest or most memorable moment as a player?

The London 2012 Paralympics was an amazing games to be a part of. To represent Paralympics GB, at a home games, in front of sell out crowds, your friends and family and to go on to win my first Paralympic Medal in the Women’s Doubles event, being presented it on the podium was an amazing experience and one that fuelled my journey to want to do better.

What changes have you seen over your career in wheelchair tennis?

I think the depth of the game really…The competition is getting so strong as more and more countries are investing in their Paralympians and players are able to train full time and make careers out of their sporting journey. 

I mean it is still incredibly tough out there and funding and sponsorships are increasingly harder to secure but the tour is making great steps to professionalise itself further and I think the most exciting years for the sport are ahead for the next generation.

What are the biggest challenges you still face - what more could be done for other wheelchair players following in your footsteps?

I think one of the biggest challenges is funding and attracting sponsors. It is so competitive and as players we are so reliant on attracting sponsors in order to continue to train and compete at the highest level. I think this is a challenge for a lot of athletes across a lot of sports and I am incredibly grateful for the support I have had over the years from people, companies and organisations. 

I am currently looking for new partners to help me to continue the dream of competing at another Paralympic Games in Paris 2024.

What ambitions do you have on and off the court?

The goal in Wheelchair Tennis is always a Paralympic Gold Medal and a Grand Slam title. These are still goals for me as I reached the Paralympic final in Tokyo and nine Grand Slam finals all in doubles, so I continue to work hard towards trying to achieve this.

What advice would you give to a wheelchair user who wanted to get into tennis - what should they do next?

I would definitely encourage anyone with even the slightest interest in tennis to give it a go whether in a wheelchair or not. 

It is such a social sport and there are so many benefits, you will never regret picking up a racket but you might regret it if you don’t.

Follow Lucy’s adventures on her website and on Twitter and Instagram

See also

Talking Tennis with… Helen Abbott, inclusive tennis champion 

A gift for life - why every child should learn to play tennis

We’d love to share more stories from people who love tennis! If you - or someone you know - would like to be featured in a Talking Tennis Q&A, please drop us a line at lizzie@talkingtennis.co.uk