HEREFORD tennis starlet Alicia Williams admits watching this year’s Wimbledon is made all the more difficult after she fell just short of strutting her stuff at the world famous venue.

As the likes of Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams show what they can do at this year’s Wimbledon, Williams had the chance to follow suit as she competed in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon Midlands Regional Qualifier at Billesley Tennis Centre in Birmingham.

The 14-year-old was playing for a spot at August’s HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 and Under Challenge at the All England Club but lost in the first round to Madison Rumney, going down 5-4 2-4 (11-9).

But, despite falling short of a memorable outing at the famous SW19 courts this time around, Hereford Whitecross Club’s Williams is adamant we haven’t seen the last of her.

“It’s a disappointing loss – it was such a tight game full of ups and downs,” said Williams.

“I played aggressively and there were lots of long rallies, but I made too many unforced errors and that cost me – it’s tough coming back from that.

“I also made too many double faults and that’s not good enough, but if I work on those I’ll come back better.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 and under Challenge began in 2002 and is the largest junior tournament in the UK, involving some 850 clubs, parks and schools with youngsters bidding to reach the national final at the All England Club.

And, although Williams failed to advance to Wimbledon, former British No.1 Tim Henman believes she is still very much one to watch out for in the future.

“Players are always disappointed when they miss out on qualifying for the HSBC Road to Wimbledon National Final and a chance to play on the grass courts at Wimbledon,” said Henman.

“Hopefully Alicia will be spurred on to greater achievements in her junior career and who knows maybe even to play at The Championships as a professional player in the future.”

* The HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 and Under Challenge is the UK's largest national junior grass court tournament and forms part of HSBC’s investment in the stars of the future.