The road into tennis!
Irene Ofei
Highways England Project Manager Irene Ofei, took time to explain her road into tennis. (Some pun intended!)
"Before I started playing, I had watched tennis for a long time - I just loved the way Johanna Konta had been coming up – and one day, I thought, I want to play! So I registered at the Manchester Tennis Centre for lessons, and started to play with my brother-in-law in Alexandra Park. Then I saw a poster for the league. I wanted to play more and get better. It wasn’t so much about winning or losing, it was more to have fun and play with different people and I joined.
I've really enjoyed it. When the table with your group comes out, I look forward to getting all my matches booked in, and to who I’m playing next. It’s exciting. I still play with my brother in law, and my husband. We also play as a family. I have two kids who both take lessons and the four of us play at weekends which is good fun.
Playing gives you a better understanding when you watch the pros. I love Serena Williams. I wish I could play like she does, but I have definitely got better. I remember my first match when I couldn’t time the ball well! I’m really proud of the way I’ve improved."
And so are we! A huge thanks for taking the time to chat with us Irene. Best of luck with all your matches!
Visit the Manchester Parks Tennis League site