Volunteers, clubs and communities honoured at the 2026 LTA Awards, presented by Lexus

Multiple high-profile guests including Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester attended the prestigious event at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, with the ceremony hosted by LTA President Roy Colabawalla and LTA Head of Men’s Tennis and Lexus Great Britain Davis Cup Captain, Leon Smith.

The award winners received their prizes from a host of stars this year including adventurer Bear Grylls, Strictly winner Carlos Gu and broadcaster Jeremy Vine. Laura Robson – a former Olympic medallist and current Tournament Director of the WTA 500 event at the HSBC Championships – was in attendance, along with LTA Padel Ambassador Jason Manford.

A highlight of the event was a Q&A session with two‑time Team GB Paralympian Louise Hunt-Skelley and the recently retired Kyle Edmund - a former British No.1 and part of the 2015 Davis Cup winning team. Guests heard about their experiences of grass roots tennis, what their coaches meant to them and their plans for the future.

The LTA Awards, presented by Lexus, celebrates the passion, dedication and impact of the people who make tennis and padel thrive across Britain.

First launched in 2015 by former LTA President Cathie Sabin OBE, the awards honour the extraordinary contributions of volunteers, coaches, officials and players who give their time, energy and expertise to grow the game at every level.

More than 3,000 nominations were submitted across 14 award categories, reflecting the depth of talent, service and innovation within British tennis and padel.

Some highlights included the ever-popular Club of the Year award, that went to East Glos Club for growing their membership and coaching programme, as well as diversifying their playing offer by integrating padel courts within the venue.

Khadija Patel took home the Cathie Sabin Volunteer of the Year Award for introducing tennis to communities traditionally under‑represented in the sport and empowering new and female leaders.

Danny French, Alison Taylor and Ben Reeves, were all celebrated for their fantastic achievements in coaching, developing and inspiring players at all levels of the game.

The Tennis Opened Up Award went to Kent Tennis EDI Mentors for their amazing work in widening access to tennis through over 70 targeted programmes across the County.

Pepita Stonor was bursting with pride to win the LTA President’s Award for her work getting more people involved in padel, and the surprise Lexus Game Changer Award went to Frances Gray of Torquay Tennis Club – a true advocate for inclusion in tennis.

The night ended with Ruth Samuels receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for almost 40 inspiring years of volunteering at Alderley Edge Tennis Club in Cheshire from broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald.

The best of the grassroots was recognised alongside elite award winners Jack Draper and Sonay Kartal, who were crowned the Male and Female Player of the Year, and Doubles Players of the Year Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool.

In the wheelchair categories, Alfie Hewett claimed the Wheelchair Player of the Year, while Ruben Harris was named Junior Wheelchair Player of the Year.

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Catherine Rose collected the Female Padel Player award with Alex Loughlan taking the Male Padel Player title.

Following the event, LTA President Roy Colabawalla said: “The LTA Awards are a chance to recognise the people and venues who truly keep our sport thriving.

“Grassroots tennis and padel are at the heart of everything we do, and it’s the dedication of volunteers, coaches, officials, and organisers that opens the game up to communities across Britain.

“Every finalist demonstrates remarkable commitment, creating opportunities for others and inspiring the next generation of players.

“Looking ahead, our goal remains clear: to continue to make tennis and padel welcoming, accessible and exciting for everyone, wherever they are and whatever their background.”