Annabel Croft facts for kids
Annabel Croft in 2011
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| Full name | Annabel Nicola Croft |
|---|---|
| Country (sports) |  Great Britain |
| Residence | Kingston upon Thames |
| Born | 12 July 1966 Farnborough, Kent, England |
| Retired | 1988 |
| Prize money | $201,254 |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 49–68 |
| Career titles | 1 |
| Highest ranking | No. 24 (31 December 1985) |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| Australian Open | 2R (1984, 1985) |
| French Open | 2R (1986) |
| Wimbledon | 3R (1984) |
| US Open | 3R (1986) |
| Doubles | |
| Career record | 13–36 |
| Career titles | 0 |
| Highest ranking | No. 126 (21 December 1986) |
Annabel Nicola Croft (born 12 July 1966) is a famous British former tennis player. After her tennis career, she became a popular radio and television presenter. She won a big tennis tournament called the Virginia Slims of San Diego. She also played for Great Britain in important team competitions like the Fed Cup.
After leaving tennis, Annabel started a new career in television. She hosted shows like Treasure Hunt and Interceptor. In 2005, she won the ITV show Celebrity Wrestling. More recently, in 2023, Annabel was a contestant on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, where she finished in fourth place. Today, she often works as a presenter and expert for sports channels like Eurosport, Sky Sports, and the BBC.
Early Life
Annabel Croft was born in Farnborough, Kent, England. Her father, James, was a surveyor. Her mother was Susan Templer. Annabel grew up in Bickley. She was coached in tennis by Derek Bone from a young age.
Tennis Star
Annabel had a very successful junior tennis career. In 1984, she won the girls' tournaments at both Wimbledon and the Australian Open. The next year, in 1985, she won her first major professional tournament. This was the Virginia Slims of San Diego. She beat Wendy Turnbull in the final match.
In December 1985, Annabel reached her highest world ranking. She was ranked number 24 globally. She proudly represented Great Britain in the Fed Cup in 1985 and 1986. She also played in the Wightman Cup from 1983 to 1986. Annabel continued playing professional tennis until February 1988.
Life After Tennis
Annabel Croft decided to retire from tennis at just 21 years old. She felt tired of constantly traveling and no longer enjoyed playing as much. Right after retiring, she became the host of Channel 4's popular show Treasure Hunt. Later, she hosted her own show on ITV called Interceptor.
In 1990, Annabel released her own fitness video. It was called Annabel Croft's Shape Tape. She has also been a big part of the coverage for the Wimbledon Tennis Championship. She has worked for the BBC, Radio 5 Live, and GMTV. Annabel has also been a tennis expert for Sky Sports and Eurosport. She has appeared on many UK lifestyle TV shows.
In June 2009, Annabel took part in a BBC series called Famous, Rich and Homeless. In this show, she experienced what it was like to live without money on the streets of London. After the show, she did a follow-up radio program on Radio 5 Live. She tried to find a homeless person she had met during the series.
Annabel continued her broadcasting career. She presented for Sky Sports, including the 2012 US Open. In 2015, she co-presented Game, Set & Mats on Eurosport. She hosted this show with former tennis player Mats Wilander during major tennis tournaments. In November 2011, Annabel hosted the AIB Media Excellence Awards. This is an international competition for journalism.
In October 2012, Annabel started a company called DiaryDoll. She launched it with TV presenter Carol Smillie. Their company sells comfortable and helpful products for women's health. In 2021, Annabel won the IC of GB Sportsmanship Award. This award is given to a British tennis player for their excellent attitude.
From September to December 2023, Annabel was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. This is a very popular BBC show where celebrities learn to dance. She was partnered with professional dancer Johannes Radebe. They danced their way to fourth place in the competition.
Personal Life
Annabel Croft was married to Mel Coleman. He was a former international America's Cup and Admiral's Cup yachtsman. They got married on 10 July 1993. Annabel met Mel in 1987 when he taught her to sail for a TV program. Their wedding guests included famous people like Roger Taylor from the band Queen. They even left the church in the car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which was Annabel's favorite film.
The couple lived in Coombe, near Wimbledon. They had three children: two daughters named Amber Rose and Lily, and a son named Charlie. In 2009, Annabel and Mel started the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy. It is located at the National Tennis Centre. Sadly, Mel passed away on 24 May 2023, after an illness.
Annabel is also involved in important charity work. She helps raise awareness about child obesity. She is also a strong supporter of Young Lives vs Cancer. This charity helps children and young people who are battling cancer.
See Also
- List of Wimbledon girls' singles champions
- List of Australian Open girls' singles champions
