How a school tennis coach helped Garbiñe Muguruza win Wimbledon

A tennis coach from Somerset whose dreams of becoming a champion were dashed by two hip operations has helped [Garbiñe Muguruza win the Wimbledon Title.](http://Muguruza beats Williams in straight sets to win Wimbledon)

Mathew James coaches at Millfield School in Street, but for the last two summers he's volunteered as a hitter to help some of the biggest stars in tennis warm up.

What is a Wimbledon Hitter?

Being a Wimbledon hitter can be tough - they have to take what the world's best players can throw at them as they perfect their killer serves.

You wait around to see if any competitors want a practice partner - but the wait can certainly pay off.

Garbiñe Muguruza's team spotted Mathew's talent, and organised multiple practices with the player as she progressed through the championship.

Mathew says he almost became her "lucky charm":

He ended up being invited into the winning box to watch his practice partner smash her way into Wimbledon glory.

And after it was all over, the newly crowned Women's champion marked his help with a high-five:

He was even offered a place to stay after the celebrations.

Mathew James was a promising young player himself, but injury and operations put paid to any Wimbledon dreams.

So, is this the next best thing?