After losing girls' final, Noppawan vows to return and fight for the ultimate prize

After finishing the losing finalist in the girls' singles, junior world No 5 Noppawan Lertcheewakarn hopes she'll be returning to Wimbledon to play for the women's title on the hallowed Centre Court someday.

It was a lifetime highlight for the 17-year-old who had to cope with challenges not only from her younger rival Laura Robson, but also the 11,000-strong partisan crowd on court No 1.

After rallying from a break down to win the second set and force a third, she surrendered to the fierce baseline game and booming serves of her 14-year-old opponent, who prevailed 6-3 3-6 6-1.

But the third seed had no regrets about losing. After all, she was only the second Thai to reach a junior Grand Slam final. Tamarine Tanasugarn was runner up at the All England Club 13 years ago.

"I had no reason to be disappointed as it wasn't easy to come this far. Instead it has inspired me to come back one day as a pro and play the final on Centre Court. It won't be easy but I will try," said the Chiang Mai-native who admits her British opponent was the better player on the day.

"She hit deep and served well. She is also a lefty which makes it difficult for me.

"She moved fast and had good running shots," Noppawan said. "I was so excited. It was the first time I played in front of such a huge crowd and it was very noisy."

The teenager had another reason to be delighted as she received a bouquet of flowers from HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn who made a long-distance phone call to the Thai Embassy in London to have it delivered ahead of the final. She was also on the phone with HRH Princess Srirasami. "It was such an honour to receive support from the royal family. Princess Srirasmi wished me luck. I was so overwhelmed."

Noppawan will return home tomorrow but before that she will attend the traditional party where she would be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Rog-er Federer and Rafael Nadal.

"I can choose between a large collection of dresses and jewellery and bags. Too bad I have to return them after the party. I'm so excited to be able to get close to the world No 1 and 2," Noppawan said.