Jaime Kaplan celebrates 40 years since her Wimbledon appearance, marking the occasion with a visit orchestrated by high school friend Jeff Battcher.

MACON, Ga. — Before she was coaching tennis at Stratford Academy and working for Macon nonprofits, Jaime Kaplan was competing on the world’s biggest tennis stages. 

Her career highlight came at Wimbledon, one of tennis’ most prestigious tournaments.

This month, Kaplan returned to those hallowed grounds for the 40th anniversary of her appearance there – a journey made possible by the unwavering support of a high school friend during her battle with cancer.

Jeff Battcher met Kaplan in the 1970s at Stratford Academy, and four decades later, they both said their friendship remains unbreakable. When Kaplan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023 and began chemotherapy, Battcher knew he had to lift her spirits.

His solution: a trip back to Wimbledon in London.

Kaplan wasn’t sure she could make the journey, but she did. Now she says she’ll never forget it.

“I guess you call it the mecca of tennis,” Kaplan said. “Nothing against the U.S. Open, the French Open and the Australian Open, but it is the most incredible of the four Grand Slams. I kind of had the feeling I had 40 years ago when I first stepped on the grounds with my mom and my sister.”


A Tennis Champion’s Journey

Kaplan grew up in Macon playing tennis from a young age. She starred at Stratford Academy, where she went undefeated in singles and doubles during high school before continuing her career at the University of Georgia and Florida State University.

Her professional career included competing in 14 Grand Slam tournaments and playing at Wimbledon for five years.

Both Kaplan and Battcher said the return trip held special significance because of Kaplan’s uncertain future. A year ago in July, Kaplan wanted to make the journey but didn’t know if she would still be alive this July. By February and March, she and Battcher began making concrete plans.

She said the pancreatic cancer diagnosis had taken its toll. Kaplan endured six months of chemotherapy and high-dose radiation, losing 20 pounds in the process. Through it all, Battcher encouraged her to keep fighting by planning the Wimbledon trip.

“To go first of all for that experience for Jaime was so heartfelt for me, but then knowing that I was at Wimbledon where she played, it meant a great deal to me and something I’ll never forget,” Battcher said.


Friendship Through Adversity

Battcher and Kaplan’s bond, forged during their Stratford Academy days, which included a short stint when they even dated, has only strengthened over time. The Wimbledon trip came as Kaplan faces cancer for the second time, as she previously battled leukemia before the pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

During their London visit, Kaplan received grounds passes from tennis legends Virginia Wade and Katrina Adams and got a towel from Martina Navratilova. She enjoyed the tournament’s traditional strawberries and cream, shared alcohol and created lasting memories with friends.

“The most incredible of the four Grand Slams, and I kind of had the feeling I had 40 years ago when I first stepped on the grounds with my mom and my sister,” Kaplan said.


Living Each Day as a Gift

Despite facing her second cancer diagnosis, Kaplan maintains a positive outlook guided by her personal motto.

“Live each day and know it’s a gift that I am still here,” she said. “When I had leukemia, let go and let God, and again that has been my motto – let go and let God.”

Battcher is already planning to return to Wimbledon with Kaplan next year. For now, Kaplan continues her cancer treatment while embracing another motto that keeps her going:Â