**British Teenager Hannah Klugman Makes History at French Open with Guidance from Sporting Greats**
British tennis has a new rising star, as 16-year-old Hannah Klugman secures her place in the French Open juniors final, achieving a feat unmatched by any Briton in nearly fifty years. The teenager from Kingston-upon-Thames showed remarkable composure and resilience in a dramatic semi-final, overcoming Bulgaria’s Rositsa Dencheva 1-6, 6-3, 6-3, and etching her name alongside the likes of Michelle Tyler – the last British junior to make this mark in 1976.
Klugman’s journey through the tournament has not only captivated British tennis fans but has also offered a source of inspiration to young athletes across the country. In the wake of her victory, Klugman expressed honest surprise at how events had unfolded in Paris. “I’m genuinely a bit shocked,” she admitted in a BBC interview. “The start was tough and I wasn’t able to find my rhythm. Once I settled, I believed I could really challenge.”
The teenager’s maturity has been evident throughout the tournament, particularly in tight moments where big points were at stake. She credits her recent mental approach, explaining how staying calm has helped her reach new heights. “I’ve been trying to take everything in and enjoy each moment,” Klugman said. “These opportunities don’t come around often, so I want to savour them. My coach and physio have both encouraged me to play with joy and to cherish the experience.”
Klugman now sets her sights on Saturday’s final, where she will go head-to-head with Austria’s 17-year-old Lilli Tagger. Yet, her rise has not been a solo mission. She has openly acknowledged the invaluable support and advice from both British No. 1 Jack Draper and her idol, Rafael Nadal. It was an encounter at Nadal’s academy that left a deep impression on her, recalling, “Being there and meeting Rafa was amazing. He’s someone I’ve looked up to for so long, and the things he said have really stayed with me.”
Nadal’s words, in particular, have been a guiding force for Klugman during challenging times. The Spanish icon encouraged her to trust in her development, reassuring her that success follows commitment and belief. “He said, ‘As soon as you’ve got the level, everything will come. Trust yourself and work hard every day.’ That advice was really important for me,” Klugman shared.
Her development has also been shaped by input from Jack Draper, illustrating the value of mentorship in the sport. Struggling to see immediate results despite hard work last year, Klugman benefited from a candid conversation arranged by her coach. Draper helped broaden her outlook, sharing personal challenges and emphasising that all players face setbacks. “Jack talked about consistency and keeping the right mentality,” Klugman said. “He reminded me that progress takes time; when you reach the right level, the results will follow.”
It has been a memorable tournament for British tennis more widely, with further reasons to celebrate. Doubles specialists Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski have broken new ground by advancing to the men’s doubles final. The pair, who only began their partnership earlier this year, held their nerve during a tense final-set tie-break against American duo Christian Harrison and Evan King, scoring a 10-7 victory.
Elsewhere, Alfie Hewett’s impressive campaign in the men’s wheelchair singles has secured him yet another French Open final after defeating Argentinian Gustavo Fernandez in a demanding three-set thriller. Hewett, the second seed, is preparing to face Japan’s Tokito Oda for a chance to add a fourth singles title to his list of achievements.
Hewett’s hopes for double success remain alive as well, as he partners with Gordon Reid in the doubles final against a challenging team comprising Oda and French veteran Stephane Houdet. It is an opportunity for Hewett and Reid to continue their remarkable partnership and seek a seventh title together at Roland Garros.
As the finals approach, British tennis supporters will be watching closely, hoping these athletes can continue their exceptional performances on the international stage and perhaps inspire a new generation to pursue their dreams with the same determination.