NEW Wimbledon men’s doubles champion Jonny Marray served up a treat for pupils at his old school - appearing as a surprise guest at the end-of-term assembly.
The 31-year-old returned to All Saints RC High School, Granville Road, to present prizes at the celebration event designed to reward achievements over the last academic year.
Jonny also met several members of staff from his time at the school more than 13 years before, including his old science teacher, John Griffiths.
Mr Griffiths said: “We only found out the previous evening Jonny was coming into school so it was quite a surprise for the students - it was all arranged on a pretty ad hoc basis.
“There’s been great excitement in school since Jonny’s victory, because we know him well and where he’s come from.”
Jonny began his tennis career at All Saints and it was clear from an early stage he had talent. Mr Griffiths said: “In those olden days we still had proper tennis courts here and we could see Jonny had something about him.
“If you were in a tournament he was one of those guys you wanted in your team - and that went for staff as well as students.
“He still has plenty of friends here and some of his fellow pupils now have their own sons and daughters here, so there are lots of connections.”
John admitted Jonny’s out-of-the-blue triumph with partner Frederik Nielsen on Saturday had come as a surprise.
Mr Griffiths said: “He’s been pursuing his tennis career for a number of years, he’s not a superstar but he works hard and deserves this success.
“He’s a really good guy, an honourable bloke - what you see is what you get.
“When he was here his teachers had the highest praise for his attitude to all his subjects.”
■ Sheffield Council’s civic reception for Jonny will be held at the Town Hall on Tuesday. It is not open to the public, but around 90 of Jonny’s family and friends will attend.
