Lucy Shuker: Backed by the people who matter most

When Lucy Shuker takes to the court at Wimbledon in less than ten days’ time, she can expect plenty of home support – but she’s still hoping to be able to pick out certain special voices among the cheering crowds.

Shuker’s partner Amy travels to tournaments with her wherever possible, and is a regular and welcome face in the stands as well as valued support travelling around the world with lots of equipment.

When she began her wheelchair tennis career Shuker’s parents also frequently went with her, but as they got older followed her career from home.

Shuker explained: “My parents came and supported me when I first started, helping me and helping boost my confidence in terms of travelling with a disability, and also supporting and embracing the tennis life - but as they’ve got older they’ve travelled less. Fortunately, my partner travels with me most of the time and I think my parents are coming to Wimbledon this year, which will be lovely.

“I’ve heard my mum in the crowd now and again; maybe the odd tut or the odd ‘why has she done that’ - but it all comes with the best intentions. They just want me to enjoy it and succeed and to do my best. Win or lose, they are there for me at the end of it and love me unconditionally.”

Last year, Shuker was chosen by her teammates to be ParalympicsGB’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony for Paris 2024 – a treasured moment and news that the three-times Paralympic medallist immediately wanted to share with those close to her back home.

“My other half was on Swanage beach in Dorset** **with our godsons and their parents, so they all had numerous missed calls and the signal was really bad. But when I got the chance to speak to her she was astounded and amazed and absolutely over the moon for me as well,” explained Shuker.

“Then there was the mad panic of Opening Ceremony tickets, as she was coming to watch my matches so had planned to come out later, rather than for the Opening Ceremony. But she didn’t want to miss it, and fortunately everything fell in to place. I spotted her on Place de la Concorde (the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony venue), and gave her a big hug to share the special moment and take some photos.”

This year will mark Shuker’s 15th Wimbledon Championships – an incredible record for the 45-year-old in a gruelling sport, which has taken her round the world playing numerous tournaments every year for more than two decades.

Having made five doubles finals at Wimbledon before, she is hoping 2025 could be even more spectacular, as she prepares to line up alongside talented Dutch player Diede de Groot, a multiple Grand Slam champion and singles and doubles gold medallist at Tokyo 2020.

“I’ve had some great doubles results this year, which just shows I’m still up there and competitive especially on the doubles court, which is crazy when you think I’m 45 years-old and pretty much the most disabled girl on the tour.

“Diede and I have had some success in the past together, we’ve been Wheelchair Doubles Masters champions, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“Playing at Wimbledon is incredibly special - I think any tennis player, their dream is to play at Wimbledon.I’ve been in doubles finals five times before, so you never know this year might be the special one.”

As for looking further ahead to the LA Games in 2028, Shuker certainly shows no signs of slowing down.

“Whilst I’m still competitive and enjoying it then I don’t want to retire. I also am very aware that I’m getting older, my body is getting older – it obviously gets tougher as you age. I haven’t ruled LA 2028 out, so whilst I’m still playing I always give it my absolute all. Who knows, it might be my sixth Paralympics or it might be the one that’s just too far away. I’m loving what I’m doing, so I don’t see any change for now.”