Eastbourne

ROTHESAY INTERNATIONAL EASTBOURNE
This year’s Rothesay International
Eastbourne coincides with the
conclusion of Pride Month and
the second day of this year’s
women’s and quad wheelchair tennis
tournaments falls on the last LTA
‘Friday Pride Day’ for this summer’s
grass court tournaments.
R Lucy Shuker
Lucy Shuker arrives in Eastbourne newly
honoured with a British Empire Medal in the
King’s Birthday Honours list, richly deserved
recognition for a stellar career that saw the
43-year-old complete her 20th season on the
ITF Wheelchair Tennis Tour in 2022.
“I am incredibly grateful to my family,
friends, and the world of wheelchair tennis
who have never made me feel like I can not
be myself,” she said.
“I am Lucy. I have a female partner, that’s it
for me. I haven’t faced any discrimination as a
result of my having a female partner in my life
but I am well aware that others have, including
some of my friends.
“It is therefore so important to speak up and
stand up for the LGBTQ+ community and keep
striving for a world where we all feel comfortable
and are loved for exactly who we are.
“My performances on the court are not
because of my sexuality. People who know
me, know me as Lucy and the fact that my
partner’s a female is just how it is. I think
everyone who gets to know me just accepts
me for who I am.
“I’ve never received any negative comments.
There are a few LGBTQ+ players on the Tour,
but everyone just accepts us for who we are. I
think everyone is just respectful to each other.”
“If you feel confident, if you feel happy, then
us as athletes, we can perform better,” Lucy
added. “I think it makes a huge difference on
court as you can be your authentic self. Yet,
if we’re subject to any discrimination, hate,
or treated in an unfair way, then it makes life
difficult and, in turn, impacts our careers.
“I also think it’s important that people feel
comfortable to be a role model across all
sports. Some sports may be more intense or
visible than others, but the fact remains that it’s
always important to support each other and the
community in any way we can as that will only
further the progress of inclusivity in sport.”
Having turned professional more than a
decade ago and achieved over 110 career titles
across singles and doubles, Lucy has witnessed
the sports industry evolve and better itself
to become a more LGBTQ+ inclusive space,
but the former Doubles Masters Champion
maintains the journey isn’t over yet.
“For me personally, I don’t think there is any
difference in how I’ve been treated,” she
added. “I’ve been aware of how other people
have been treated and I feel nowadays it’s
more understood and accepted but there is
still some hate towards this community. So, I
still feel there is a fair way to go, and I’d love to
be in a position where we don’t have to have
this conversation because it’s just the norm.
“Tennis is a widely regarded sport. So
many people play it regardless of their
age, background, or ethnicity. So, if tennis
can be a leading sport in championing
diversity and inclusion for the LGBTQ+
community, then we’ll be laying the
groundwork for other sports to follow.” >
Devonshire Park, Eastbourne | 24 June - 01 July 2023
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