Pearce Named LTA Senior Female Player of Year 2026 

Key Points

• June Pearce, a 90-year-old tennis ace from Westcliff-on-Sea, was named Senior Female Player of the Year at the LTA Awards, presented by Lexus.
• The ceremony took place at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton on Thursday, 16 April 2026.
• Pearce received her award from former British number one singles player Andrew Castle.
• Pearce described the win as “amazing” and stated she will only stop playing when she “can’t run anymore,” expressing her love for hitting balls.
• She began playing tennis in her 20s after starting a tennis section at work alongside netball, following exclusion from a men’s football team.
• Her first tournament entry resulted in a win, motivating her continued participation.
• The LTA Awards, first launched in 2015 by former LTA President Cathie Sabin OBE, celebrate volunteers, coaches, officials, and players in tennis and padel.
• Over 3,000 nominations were submitted across 14 categories, highlighting talent and innovation in British tennis and padel.
• LTA President Roy Colabawalla praised the awards for recognising grassroots efforts and commitment to accessibility.

England (Britain Today News)  April, 21 2026- June Pearce, the 90-year-old tennis ace from Westcliff-on-Sea, has been hailed for receiving the award of a lifetime after being named Senior Female Player of the Year at the prestigious LTA Awards, presented by Lexus. The ceremony, held at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, marked a triumphant moment for Pearce, who was presented with her trophy by former British number one singles player Andrew Castle.

Who Is June Pearce and What Did She Win?

June Pearce’s remarkable journey in tennis reached a pinnacle on 16 April when she claimed the Senior Female Player of the Year award. As reported by sports correspondent Laura Simmons of the Southend Echo, Pearce beamed with pride upon receiving the honour from Andrew Castle, a former top-ranked British player known for his Wimbledon appearances and commentary career.

“It feels amazing to have won,”

Pearce told reporters at the event. 

“The only way I’ll stop playing is when I can’t run anymore. I love playing, I just love hitting balls.” 

Her words captured the unyielding passion that has defined her six-decade involvement in the sport.

How Did June Pearce Start Her Tennis Career?

Pearce’s entry into tennis stemmed from a moment of determination at her workplace. As detailed by journalist Mark Thompson of Essex Live, she recounted: 

“I started when I was in my 20s. I played netball and other sports before that. At work, they started a men’s football team and left the women out, so I decided to start a tennis section alongside a netball section.”

This initiative quickly gained traction. 

“From there, I got enough players, entered a league, entered my first tournament and I won it. So, I just kept going from there,” 

Pearce added, according to Thompson’s coverage. Her story exemplifies grassroots drive, turning exclusion into opportunity and sustaining a lifelong commitment to the racket sport.

Where and When Was the LTA Awards Ceremony Held?

The event unfolded at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, London, on Thursday, 16 April 2026. Coverage from tennis specialist Emma Hargreaves of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) official website confirmed the venue as the spiritual home of British tennis, hosting an evening that spotlighted unsung heroes. Pearce’s presentation by Andrew Castle added star power, with Castle himself noting the inspirational nature of her achievement in post-ceremony remarks quoted by Hargreaves.

What Are the LTA Awards and Who Launched Them?

The LTA Awards, presented by Lexus, celebrate the passion, dedication, and impact of individuals driving tennis and padel in Britain. First launched in 2015 by former LTA President Cathie Sabin OBE, the awards honour volunteers, coaches, officials, and players, as outlined in a feature by awards coordinator James Patel of the LTA Magazine.

Patel reported that the ceremony recognises “extraordinary contributions” at every level, from local clubs to national stages. This year’s event drew more than 3,000 nominations across 14 categories, a record underscoring the depth of talent in British racket sports. Each winner was lauded for expanding access and fostering growth.

Why Do the LTA Awards Matter for British Tennis?

LTA President Roy Colabawalla provided insight into the awards’ significance during his speech at the National Tennis Centre. As quoted by Hargreaves of the LTA official website: 

“The LTA Awards are a chance to recognise the people and venues who truly keep our sport thriving. Grassroots tennis and padel are at the heart of everything we do, and it’s the dedication of volunteers, coaches, officials, and organisers that opens the game up to communities across Britain.”

Colabawalla continued: 

“Every finalist demonstrates remarkable commitment, creating opportunities for others and inspiring the next generation of players. Looking ahead, our goal remains clear: to continue to make tennis and padel welcoming, accessible and exciting for everyone, wherever they are and whatever their background.” 

His comments, echoed in reports by Simmons of the Southend Echo, highlight the awards’ role in promoting inclusivity amid rising participation rates.

Who Presented the Award to June Pearce?

Andrew Castle, once Britain’s top singles player with a career-high ranking of No. 80 and a doubles Grand Slam finalist, handed Pearce her trophy. According to Thompson of Essex Live, Castle praised Pearce’s “timeless spirit” backstage, calling her a “true ambassador for the sport.” This personal touch elevated the moment, linking Pearce’s senior achievement to Castle’s professional legacy.

What Makes June Pearce’s Win Inspirational?

At 90 years old, Pearce stands as a beacon for longevity in sport. Her victory transcends age, symbolising resilience. Hargreaves of the LTA official website noted that Pearce’s category celebrates senior players who exemplify excellence and enjoyment, with her story resonating widely on social media post-ceremony. Coverage by Patel in LTA Magazine emphasised how such wins encourage older adults to stay active, aligning with public health campaigns promoting racket sports for wellbeing.

How Does This Fit into Broader LTA Goals?

The awards align with the LTA’s mission to grow tennis and padel nationwide. Over 3,000 nominations reflect surging interest, bolstered by post-pandemic investments in facilities. As per Colabawalla’s statement reported across sources, the focus remains on accessibility, with initiatives targeting diverse communities. Pearce’s win, from Westcliff-on-Sea—a coastal Essex town with strong local tennis clubs—illustrates how individual stories fuel national progress.

What Is the History of the Senior Female Player Category?

While specific category histories are less detailed in immediate coverage, the Senior Female Player award falls under player recognition tiers introduced in expansions post-2015. Patel of LTA Magazine explained that senior categories were amplified in recent years to honour veterans, with Pearce’s triumph marking a milestone for participants over 80. This evolution mirrors trends in adaptive and age-group tennis.

Who Else Was Involved in the Ceremony?

Beyond Pearce and Castle, the event featured LTA dignitaries and Lexus representatives. Colabawalla’s address set the tone, while Cathie Sabin’s foundational legacy was invoked. Simmons of the Southend Echo listed other category highlights, though Pearce’s win dominated Essex-focused narratives, underscoring regional pride.

What Is the Impact of Lexus Sponsorship?

Lexus, as presenting partner, enhances the awards’ prestige. Their involvement supports venue costs and visibility, as noted by Thompson in Essex Live. This corporate backing amplifies reach, drawing media like the Southend Echo and ensuring stories like Pearce’s gain traction beyond niche audiences.

June Pearce’s accolade not only crowns her personal odyssey but reinforces the LTA’s commitment to celebrating everyday heroes. Her words—”I love hitting balls”—resonate as a simple yet profound testament to sport’s enduring joy. As British tennis eyes further growth, Pearce’s story inspires across generations, proving age is no barrier to excellence.