Wimbledon Bar Manager Hopes To Out-Do Andy Murray

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By breaking world record for the number of consecutive tennis matches in 72 hours

A Wimbledon bar manager is attempting to out-do Andy Murray after being inspired by his 2013 Wimbledon Championship win, and it’s all in the name of charity.

Mike Mitchell, 35, who manages Hemingway’s Bar in Wimbledon Village, will attempt to break the world record for the number of consecutive three-set singles tennis matches played over a 72-hour period. Mike is raising funds for the NSPCC, Tennis for Free and Rally for Bally.

He hopes to play between 40 and 45 opponents throughout the challenge – if Andy Murray makes it through to the final of this year’s championship, he’ll play seven opponents over two weeks.

The world record attempt begins at 8pm on Tuesday 2 June and finishes on Friday 5 June, at The Wimbledon Club. Participants playing against Mike will make a donation to the three charities and there will be a raffle and auction taking place throughout the event.

Mike said: “Every year I do an event for charity. I believe being in my position allows me to unite a community to support charity events. In 2013, 22 of us did a sky dive for the Wimbledon Guild and raised £12,000.

“I took up tennis in the July of 2013, after Andy’s win, and fell in love with playing. As I have met many local players I decided last year I would hold a tennis marathon, where I played for 40 hours straight with the Wimbledon community playing alongside me in singles and doubles. We raised £5,000 for Help for Heros.

“But this year I want to go one step further and try and break a world record. So I’ll be playing for 72 hours instead.”

Vicky Sait, NSPCC community fundraising manager for south London said: “We’re really proud to support Mike and to be involved in a record breaking attempt. Especially as it’s taking place in Wimbledon and so close to the championship itself. We want to wish Mike the very best of luck and we’re sure that this year’s event will be his most successful yet.”

The world record attempt takes place at The Wimbledon Club, Church Road SW19. To find out more or to sponsor Mike, please visit www.wimbledontennismarathon.com.

May 15, 2015