Bolton’s rising star Amarni honoured by Tennis Black List

Bolton tennis starlet Amarni Banks is enjoying a stellar season on grass and has been recognised for her contributions on and off the court as part of the Tennis Black List 2024.

The 21-year-old, who first picked up a racket at the age of four, won the Player Award, a testament to her remarkable achievements within the sport.

Banks made it through two wins of Wimbledon Qualifying this year, just a week after securing her first senior grass-court triumph at the LTA’s Lexus Ilkley Trophy.

The Black List Awards celebrated tennis role models from the black and mixed black heritage community from players at the highest level to volunteers and their tireless efforts.

Founded by Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo last year, the event on June 27 marked the second year of the Tennis Black List, supported by the LTA, Barclays and YC Sports.

In the run-up to The Championships at Wimbledon in nearby Roehampton, the awards recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally.

The Tennis Black List follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List, demonstrating the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport.

The event was an opportunity to inspire the next generation in the tennis community, with the commitment shown by the winners.

Awards were handed out in eight categories across the evening at the ceremony, with several recipients present at the National Tennis Centre.

Tennis Black List organisers Batson and Sackey-Addo said: “This was truly a night of inspiration and celebration of the black and mixed-black heritage communities’ excellence in tennis on and off the court.

“It’s been an honour to recognise a group of remarkable people who are the perfect embodiment of this.”

LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd said: “It was hugely inspiring to celebrate once again all the amazing successes and achievements of the black and mixed-black heritage communities – the 2024 winners are real role models to everyone.”

n Serving excellence on and off the court: The Tennis Black List #TennisBlackList #2024TennisBlackList #TennisBlackList2024