Annabel Croft is a British media personality known for her achievements in tennis and television. She began her tennis career at a local club in Farnborough, quickly becoming one of the top junior players in the UK. At 17, she won the Wimbledon and Australian Open girls' tournaments. She turned professional that same year and reached a highest world ranking of 24 in December 1985. During her career, she won one WTA Tour singles title and four doubles titles, representing Great Britain in the Fed Cup and Wightman Cup. She retired from professional tennis at 21 due to burnout.
After retiring, Annabel became a television presenter, starting with Channel 4's "Treasure Hunt." She later hosted her own show on ITV, "Interceptor." Her engaging personality made her a familiar face in entertainment. She appeared in the BBC1 documentary series "Famous, Rich and Homeless" and hosted a radio show on Radio 5 Live.
Annabel has been a key figure in tennis broadcasting, working with the BBC, Sky Sports, Eurosport, and Amazon Prime, covering major events like Wimbledon and the US Open. In 2024, she continued her role as a presenter and commentator for these tournaments.
In 2009, Annabel launched the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy at the National Tennis Centre, coaching up to 350 children weekly. The academy now has a year-round centre in Portugal, alongside her travel business, Annabel Croft Holidays. She promotes health and fitness, advocating for homeopathy and addressing child obesity in the UK.
In 2023, Annabel participated in "Strictly Come Dancing," finishing in fourth place. She remains a prominent figure in British media, balancing her roles as a tennis pundit and TV presenter. In 2021, she received the IC of GB Sportsmanship Award, recognising her exemplary behaviour in tennis. Her contributions to both tennis and media have earned her respect in both fields.
