It’s not just a momentous day for Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams. Also taking to Centre Court at the Ladies’ Singles Final will be Uma Baker-Bahl, 11, who will join the players at the net after being chosen to perform the pre-match coin toss. She will be assisted in her on-court duties by Andrew Jarrett, Championships’ Referee.
Uma, from east London, represents Barnardo’s, a national UK charity that supports vulnerable children through a range of services, campaigning and research expertise. Wimbledon’s relationship with Barnardo’s stems from 1946, when Ball Boys were recruited from Dr Barnardo’s Homes, while this year also marks the charity’s 150th anniversary.
Uma cares for her disabled mother and aunt, and attended Barnardo’s Indigo Young Carers which supports children and young people who help care for disabled relatives.
Uma said, “My mum and my aunt both have multiple sclerosis. My aunt is in a wheelchair and my mum is tired all the time, so she can’t do much and we don’t really go out. I have to help look after them both.”
Uma described herself as “over the moon” when she heard she had been selected to take part in the ceremony ahead of the final. “Just to go to Wimbledon would be amazing enough, but to know I’ll be the one going out there to toss the coin is just incredible.”
Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan said: “Uma is one of a 500,000-strong army of young carers in the UK who often sacrifice simple childhood pleasures to take care of a loved one at home and often their commitment and devotion can go unnoticed. That’s why it’s fantastic that Uma is being recognised for her wonderful compassionate nature by taking centre stage at the Ladies’ Singles Final.”
Uma and her mother will also be treated to a tour of the Clubhouse and lunch in the Competitors’ Restaurant before the match.
