Wheelchair tennis star Alfie Hewett surprises inspirational LTA award-winning coach
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Alfie Hewett, the world No.2 singles and world No.1 wheelchair tennis doubles player delighted some of his biggest fans during a special visit to the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.
The player with an incredible 33 major titles so far in his career, dropped in on LTA Award-winning coach Nichola Smith and a group of children from her club, offering coaching tips and encouragement that made their day truly unforgettable.
Nichola, based at Wallasey Manor Tennis Club on the Wirral near Liverpool, was honoured with the LTA Development Coach of the Year Award at the 2024 LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus. As part of the prize, she received a £1,000 grant from Lexus. The money is allocated for work that demonstrates a significant impact in a community.
To celebrate her outstanding work, Nichola and a group of six young players from the Wirral were recently invited to the National Tennis Centre where they met British No.4 Billy Harris, former Wimbledon mixed doubles champion Heather Watson, and others, before the surprise training session with Alfie on the indoor courts.
Nichola worked as a PE teacher in secondary schools for nearly 20 years and only started full time coaching three years ago. She has used the funding to expand her inclusive programmes alongside her work with children and adults at Wallasey Manor.
Winning the award has been absolutely amazing — humbling, emotional, and something I’m incredibly proud of.
“Before the grant, I was running small-scale sessions with young offenders and young people with special educational needs. Now, I’ve been able to offer subsidised sessions, visit care homes to deliver seated tennis and mobility exercises, and reach communities that might otherwise be overlooked. It’s made such a difference.”
Hewett, said, “It means a lot to know that there are people like Nichola trying to make sport and society a lot more inclusive for everyone.
“Accessibility is one of the biggest barriers preventing people from getting involved in sport. In today’s world, every facility should be accessible to all. We all know the incredible benefits sport can bring, so it’s heartbreaking when lack of access holds someone back.”
About the LTA Awards, presented by Lexus
The LTA Awards celebrate the people who power tennis and padel across Great Britain. Launched in 2015 by former LTA President Cathie Sabin OBE, the awards highlight the passion, dedication, and achievements of individuals and organisations at every level of the game.
Chris Hayes, Director, Lexus UK, said: “We’re proud to support the incredible network of volunteers, officials, coaches, and venues across the country. These individuals are the backbone of their communities — true trailblazers making a lasting impact through sport.
“At Lexus, we’re passionate about inclusion and participation. It’s inspiring to see leaders like Nichola driving these values every day. She’s doing outstanding work, and we’re proud to stand alongside her and all of the award winners. The grassroots of tennis are in exceptionally capable hands.”
From volunteers to coaches, venues to players, the LTA Awards recognise those making a real difference — helping tennis and padel grow, thrive, and become more accessible. With over 25,000 volunteers nationwide and more than 2,000 public nominations last year, the awards continue to celebrate the very best of the sport.
Let’s celebrate even more unsung heroes this year.
