BASINGSTOKE tennis star Aisling McGrane will not forget her outing at the All England Club in a hurry despite missing out on lifting the trophy at the HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & Under Challenge Finals.

After triumphing at the previous Regional finals, Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School student McGrane took to the famous grass courts last week looking to be crowned national champion.

She put in a promising showing too but saw her adventure ended at the quarter-final stage as she was beaten 6-2 6-2 by China’s Huang Ziyi.

And while unable to better British number one Andy Murray in getting her hands on a title at Wimbledon this year, McGrane, 14, insists it has only fuelled her desire to come back to the iconic venue again to play one day.

“It’s been a great experience, I really enjoyed the chance to play on the courts, seeing what it’s like to be a professional,” said the David Lloyd Southampton star.

“The only time I’ve ever played on grass was in the qualifiers so I’ve had to adapt, but it was good fun.

“I’ve had a good season, a really enjoyable one and to be able to go to Wimbledon really tops it off.

“I’ve been to Wimbledon before as a fan and it’s always fun, I love watching Murray and you hear the noise of the British crowd which is amazing.

“To be able to play at Wimbledon would be a dream, I’d love to be a professional one day.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 and Under Challenge forms part of HSBC’s investment in grassroots tennis Each year more than 10,000 youngsters take part in the series of national tennis tournaments, helping to inspire the next generation of Wimbledon stars.

HSBC is the Official Banking Partner of The Championships and is committed to supporting grassroots tennis, helping to inspire the next generation of Wimbledon stars through the HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & Under Challenge. @HSBC_sport