Former British No. 1 and broadcaster Annabel Croft is one of the UK’s most recognised sporting personalities. She began playing tennis at the age of nine and quickly established herself as one of Britain’s brightest young talents, becoming national champion in the under-12, under-14 and under-16 age groups. At just 15, she became the youngest Briton to compete in the senior Wimbledon Championships for almost 100 years. In 1984, she won both the Junior Wimbledon and Junior Australian Open titles before claiming her first senior tournament victory in San Diego the following year.
Following her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 21, Annabel successfully transitioned into broadcasting and has enjoyed a distinguished media career spanning more than three decades. As a presenter, commentator and analyst, she has covered the sport for many of the world’s leading broadcasters and is today one of the most respected and recognisable voices in tennis. Beyond the tennis court, she became a familiar face on British television as the Sky Runner on Treasure Hunt and later took part in an award-winning BBC documentary series exploring homelessness in the UK. She is also the host of the Wimbledon Championships’ trophy presentations on Centre Court, where she interviews the finalists at the culmination of one of the world’s most iconic sporting events.
In 2023, Annabel reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing and subsequently joined the national Strictly Live tour. She continues to present and commentate at all four Grand Slam tournaments and remains one of the most familiar faces in British sport and broadcasting.
As a fit, healthy, glamorous mum-of-three, Annabel uses her position to raise awareness of the benefits of Homeopathy and Natural medicines, as well as child obesity in the UK and the issues and causes surrounding it.
Annabel was married to Mel Coleman a former America’s cup and Admiral’s cup yachtsman. In 2009, they together launched the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy at the National Tennis Centre. They have two daughters, Amber Rose and Lily Saffron and a son, Charlie.
In May 2023 Annabel sadly lost her husband Mel, a professional yachtsman after a short illness from cancer.
· It was Mel’s wish to raise funds for research on the metabolic health of people with cancer. To donate, go to gofundme.com/f/support-forever-young-groups-research
Annabel announced her Camper Van adventure on Instagram@vannabelcroft in January 2021 and travelled throughout the UK that Summer. If you ever wanted to see a normal van converted into a luxurious Camper Van – watch out for this and follow @vannabelcroft on Instagram
Every year, Annabel Croft plays an integral role in the coverage of Wimbledon, hosting Live@Wimbledon for several years for the Tournament hosts and its global Internet audience as well as BBC Radio 5 Live.
In September 2025, Annabel launched her hugely successful speaking tour: Tennis Balls to Glitter Balls, blending sport, entertainment and personal storytelling.
Annabel is a highly sought-after corporate host and speaker, admired for her warmth, engaging style and professionalism.
