Amarni Banks relishes Roehampton experience despite Wimbledon Qualifying defeat
The 22-year-old, who trains in Loughborough, was defeated by Katarzyna Kawa in straight sets, 6-2 6-4, ensuring that her dream of reaching the fabled lawns of SW19 are put on hold for at least another year.
Advertisement
The Lexus Ilkley Open quarter-finalist was defeated in the first four games in the opening set and wasn't able to recover.
Despite battling a back from a break down to level the second, Banks was unable to mount a comeback, with Kawa clinching the result to advance into the third round.
Though the outcome was not what she had hoped for, Banks admitted she enjoyed every moment of her time at qualifying and she is raring for more.
"The crowd here is unbeatable, said Banks. "Every time I've played here over the last two years, I've had a great experience. I've really enjoyed myself. I'm disappointed with the loss but I've had a good past few weeks.
Advertisement
"Any match at this level is a positive. Every match is a tough one so to come through them is something I should take confidence from. I'm learning a lot playing at this level and hopefully I get more matches like this.
"The game's getting better each year. The players are getting tougher and I have to keep up and do my best to reach that level but I believe I'll get there consistently one day.
"Each year I play on the grass I get more comfortable and confident on it. It's a long time away but I'm already looking forward to next year and competing again."
Up next for Banks is a switch to the hard court, although that will have to wait.
Advertisement
A well-earned rest is next on the cards, with Banks planning to ensure she returns in as best a physical and mental condition as possible.
She added: "My opponent played a really good match.
"I didn't play my best tennis out there today but I gave it my all physically and mentally and all I can do is take the positives from today and learn from it and move forwards.
"It has been pretty full-on the last few weeks so I'm just going to reset before going again after taking everything I've learnt over the past few weeks into the practice courts and coming out stronger.
"I'll miss the grass but I'll go back to the hard court and then take my next steps from there."
For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How Cumbrian clubs fared on Northern League opening day
Carlisle City and Penrith got their Northern League Division One campaign under way with creditable opening-day draws. City held highly fancied Shildon to a 0-0 draw at Gillford Park. And Penrith came away from West Auckland Town with a 2-2 draw in the league curtain-raiser. The Cumbrian clubs made it an unscathed start to the 2025/26 campaign. Dan Kirkup's Carlisle City had a tough opening assignment against a Shildon side who finished second in the table last season. City, who were 18th last term, were watched by 163 fans as they included summer signings Tom Short and Kelvin James in their starting XI. Callum Birdsall and Lewis Mitchinson had first-half chances for Kirkup's side with Adam Gordon going close after the break, Tom Mahone denied by the visiting keeper and captain Josh Simpson hitting the bar. READ MORE: Carlisle City head into new season after "brilliant" help from Paul Simpson Next up for City is another home game, against Northallerton Town, on Tuesday night. Jim Nichols' second spell in charge of Penrith saw his side pick up a point on the road in their first game of the campaign. Luke Hunter gave the Bonny Blues - who finished 17th last term - a half-time lead before Conor Hammell added another in the 68th minute. But West Auckland fought back to level with goals by Craig Moody and Luke Bailey in the space of four minutes in front of a 207 crowd. Penrith's XI included the teenage Carlisle United goalkeeper Thomas Randall, with the returning Jamie Armstrong also in their side. Nichols' team take on Birtley Town on Tuesday night in their first home game of the league campaign. Cumbria's other Northern League club, Kendal Town, got off to a losing start with a 3-1 home defeat to Newcastle Benfield. James Bailey levelled for the Mintcakes early in the second half but two late goals saw the north east visitors claim the points. Kendal go to Marske United on Tuesday night.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Ford at the front: Sam Mayer will lead Xfinity field to green at Indianapolis
Sam Mayer walks through his qualifying lap after earning his first Xfinity Series pole of the 2025 season Saturday at Indianapolis.


Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
Padraig Harrington leads Justin Leonard by 2 shots at Senior British Open
BERKSHIRE, England — Padraig Harrington birdied the final hole Saturday for another 5-under 65 for a two-shot lead over Justin Leonard going into the final round of the Senior British Open as the Irishman goes for his second senior major of the year. Harrington was among four players who had at least a share of the lead at some point during the round on the Old Course at Sunningdale. He seized the lead with birdies on the 13th and 14th hole, and a closing birdie added to his slight lead. Harrington was at 13-under 197. He has been in the United Kingdom the last three weeks for links golf, starting with the Scottish Open. He won the U.S. Senior Open in Colorado a month ago. Leonard, the only PGA Tour Champions player to make the cut last week in the British Open at Royal Portrush, also had a second straight 65. Thomas Bjorn had a 67 and was three shots behind. Harrington and Leonard are past British Open champions — Leonard at Royal Troon in 1997, Harrington winning the first of two claret jugs a decade later at Carnoustie (2007) and Royal Birkdale (2008). Either one can become the fifth player to win the British Open and Senior British Open, a feat last accomplished by Darren Clarke in 2022. Steven Alker, a two-time Charles Schwab Cup winner who opened with a 73, tried to get back in the game. He shot 66 and was among four players at 8-under 202, five shots behind. The winner is exempt for the 154th British Open next year at Royal Birkdale. ___ AP golf: