Tennis superstar, Pete Sampras, is set to visit one of Merton’s schools next week to provide some expert tennis tips to pupils who are budding Wimbledon champs.

The US number one and reigning Wimbledon Champion will drop in on Park House Middle School to say hello and chat to the 300 boys and girls aged nine to 11. He will then give a mini coaching lesson to a group of pupils who love tennis and play as often as they can.

Not only will the school get to see big-hitting ace, but a professional tennis player based in the borough will be joining PE lessons in the afternoon before Pete arrives to show the children some new tennis skills.

Widely recognised as one of sports true gentlemen, Pete asked his sponsors, Ask Jeeves, to arrange a visit to a school so he could meet young people and try and pass on some of his expert sporting advice.

Headteacher of Park House Middle, Richard King, said: “Pete’s visit promises to be a very memorable experience for all the children. Not only those who will be playing tennis with him, but all the other pupils who will be watching as well.

“I think it says a lot about Pete Sampras, that he’s making the effort to spend some time with local school children while he’s preparing for a major championship like Wimbledon. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for our school and I’m sure all the children and the staff, some of whom are keen tennis fans, will thoroughly enjoy the visit.”

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Note to Editors: The visit will take place between approximately 2.45pm – 4.15pm on Tuesday 19 June at Park House Middle School, Arthur Road, SW19 7DZ. Any reporters or photographers wishing to attend must inform the Press & PR Office and at the earliest opportunity or they will not be admitted to the event.