This 16-Year-Old Just Made Tennis History and I'm Still Processing It

By Lewis Barnett 6 June, 2025 5 mins read 52 Views

Hannah Klugman is probably still pinching herself right now.

The Kingston schoolgirl just became the first British female to reach a French Open final since Sue Barker pulled it off 49 years ago. Forty-nine years! That's longer than most of us have been breathing, and this kid from Thames just casually broke a drought that's older than the internet.

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When Everything Clicks at 16

I watched her semi-final against Bulgarian Rositsa Dencheva, and honestly? It started rough. Really rough. She dropped the first set 1-6, looking like she might crumble under the pressure. But then something shifted.

Maybe it was desperation. Maybe it was pure teenage stubbornness. Whatever it was, Klugman clawed back with a 6-3, 6-3 comeback that had me yelling at my screen like an idiot.

"I'm just a bit shocked to be honest," she said afterward, which is probably the understatement of the year. The girl just made history and she's out here sounding like she accidentally won a school raffle.

Sue Barker's Ghost Finally Gets Company

Here's the thing that's blowing my mind: the last British woman to do this was Michelle Tyler in 1976. Same year Sue Barker won the actual women's title. 1976! I wasn't even a thought in my parents' heads, and this record has been sitting there like a challenge nobody could meet.

Until now.

Klugman faces Austrian Lilli Tagger (17) in Saturday's final, and the pressure must be insane. But listen to how she's handling it: "My coach and physio are basically saying: 'Go out there and enjoy it.' Because you never know if you'll be in the spot again."

Smart coaches. This moment might never come again, so why waste it being terrified?

The Mental Game That's Actually Working

What struck me most was her honesty about the match. "I wasn't playing my best and I found it tough to get myself into the match," she admitted. No fake confidence, no pretending everything was perfect.

But then: "I think I've been mentally very good this week. I think I'm staying calm in big moments and also just trying to take it in."

At 16, she's already figured out what destroys most professional athletes - how to stay present when everything's on the line. That's not normal teenage behavior, trust me.

Meanwhile, the Brits Are Having a Moment

It's not just Klugman making noise in Paris. Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski just reached the men's doubles final after beating Americans Christian Harrison and Evan King in a nail-biting 6-7, 6-3, 7-6 thriller that went to a deciding-set tie-break.

They're facing Spaniard Marcel Granollers and Argentina's Horacio Zeballos for the title. Fun fact: the last British winners of this trophy were Fred Perry and Pat Hughes in 1933. Ninety-one years ago. These droughts are getting ridiculous.

And Alfie Hewett? He's in the wheelchair singles final after beating Argentine Gustavo Fernández 6-4, 4-6, 7-6. He's chasing his fourth title and first since 2021, going up against No.1 seed Tokito Oda.

Saturday Can't Come Fast Enough

Look, I don't want to put too much pressure on a 16-year-old, but this feels big. Really big.

Klugman's already made history just by reaching the final. Anything that happens Saturday is bonus territory. But wouldn't it be something if she actually pulled this off?

A British teenager winning in Paris after a 49-year wait. That's the kind of story that gives you chills, even if you're just watching from your couch with terrible commentary and overpriced snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can a player start training to improve their chances of becoming a pro?

Starting early in training is an advantage. While there's no standard age to begin professional tennis, it is a good idea. Many professional players begin their training between the ages 4 and 7. Early development allows for a player to establish a solid foundation with regards to skills, technique and coordination. However, it's crucial to balance training with general childhood development to nurture a passion for the game without causing burnout or injury.

How does a top-level tennis player's daily training look?

The daily training regime of a top-level tennis player is both rigorous, and meticulously organized. It often includes several hours on the court, focusing on technical drills, tactical practices, and match play situations. In addition, players participate in fitness sessions designed to increase strength, agility and endurance. This is complemented by recovery activities such as stretching or massage. Athletes must also maintain peak performance mentally and physically by ensuring proper nutrition.

What type fitness training is most important for tennis athletes?

Tennis is physically demanding and requires a mixture of aerobic endurance, strength and power. Tennis fitness training includes cardio exercises for endurance, plyometrics and explosive exercises for power and speed, weight training to build strength, as well agility drills for improving footwork and on court movement. Exercises that improve core stability and balance are essential to building the endurance and coordination needed for tennis.

How does a tennis player manage school and training?

It is difficult for tennis players to balance their academic obligations with intense training schedules. Time management, prioritization skills and sometimes creative scheduling are required. Online learning and flexible academic programmes can help young athletes accommodate their demanding training schedules and travel plans. Support from family, coaches, and educational institutions also plays a crucial role in ensuring players can pursue their athletic ambitions without compromising their education.

Can someone start playing tennis late and still become a professional?

Although it's more difficult, it's not impossible to achieve professional status by starting tennis later in life. Success will depend on athletic ability and dedication as well as access to good coaching and competition. Late starters will need to engage in highly focused and intensive training, and the path may be more arduous, but with talent and perseverance, reaching a professional level is within the realm of possibility.

Statistics

Persistent mental training and sports psychology can help reduce performance anxiety by up to 60%, according to sports psychologists working with elite athletes.
Strength and conditioning coaches emphasize core strength, noting that an increase in core stability can improve shot accuracy by up to 43%.
Approximately 70% of a professional tennis player's training time is devoted to developing technique and on-court strategies.
Nutritionists report that a tennis player's diet should consist of about 55-60% carbohydrates, 15-20% protein, and 20-25% fats during intense training periods.
Engaging in structured video analysis sessions has been shown to improve a player's tactical decision-making by approximately 35%.

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How To

How to Maximize Your Tennis Training Schedule

For the best tennis training program possible, it is important to balance on-court work, fitness, match play and rest. Allocating blocks of practice time to the development of technical skills is a good way to start. Each week, include sessions in speed, endurance and strength to develop a complete fitness base. Plan at least one competitive match per week for the application of skills. Introduce resting days following particularly intensive training or matches to help with recovery. You should also review your schedule and make changes based on your progress to ensure that you are always improving.