A FORMER Wimbledon champion recently visited a school in Winchester.

Pat Cash, who won the Wimbledon Championship in 1987, visited Prince's Mead School to give a talk to the pupils, play a few games of tennis and kicked off the annual Parent's Association tennis tournament.

In the 1987 final Pat beat the world number one, Ivan Lendl, in straight sets to win his only grand slam and was remembered for climbing into the stands to celebrate with his family, friends and coach.

This has been repeated many times since then. Pat now coaches top level tennis to new sportspeople worldwide, having retired from playing singles in 1997.

Pat gave the ‘Friday Prayers Assembly’ where he discussed his rise to the top and how resilience is one of the keys to success. He also knocked a few balls on court to some of the tennis club children.

After a warm up and some smash practice alongside Director of Sports, Graham Arkley and Head of Girl's games, Kath Little, they settled in to a special tennis lesson.

The Parent's Association tennis players arrived on court to face the champion and weren't deterred from giving their best forehands and backhands.

A memorable morning was had by all and after, Pat gave some time to sign autographs and take photos with the children and parents.