By Luke Baker, Sportsbeat

PAINSWICK tennis starlet Isabella Nunez 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 British No.1 Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams show what they can do at this year’s Wimbledon, Nunez had the chance to follow suit as she competed in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon South West Regional Qualifier at the East Glos Club in Cheltenham.

The 13-year-old was playing for a spot at August’s HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & Under Challenge at the All England Club but lost in the final round to Esther Adeshina, going down 6-0, 6-0.

But, despite falling short of a memorable outing at the famous SW19 courts this time around, Stroud High School pupil Nunez is adamant we haven’t seen the last of her.

“I played quite well for most of the weekend, especially in the first round against Erin when my serve was pretty consistent which helped me a lot to get the short ball,” explained Nunez, who beat Erin Oelmann and Hannah Smith in straight sets before going down to Adeshina.

“I was feeling quite good after my first win and that boosted my confidence heading into the second match.

“I did the county version of Road to Wimbledon last year and I’m disappointed to miss out this time because it would have meant a lot for me to play at Wimbledon.

“It was quite a tough draw as well, so it would have meant a lot. The aim for me is definitely still to turn professional one day though.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & 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 Nunez 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 Isabella will be spurred on to greater achievements in her junior career and who knows maybe even play at The Championships as a professional player in the future.”

 The HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & 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.