Jack became GB 16 & under number 1 ranked player before Christmas and then backed this up with a comprehensive win in the National grade 2 event at Bolton for the loss of just a handful of games.
The main draw comprised of 32 of the top competitors nationwide. In his opening match, Jack defeated the talented Youssef Hassan from Berkshire 6-2, 6-1. Jack then faced Nottingham’s Christopher Wood displaying another impressive performance winning 6-2, 6-2. In the quarter finals Jack faced his toughest test by beating Bath's Academy player Toby Mitchell from Somerset 6-4, 6-0. In the semi final Jack again dominated the match beating Angus McCall 6-2, 6-2. Saving the best till last Jack overcame Robert Mitchell from Hampshire in the final winning 6-1, 6-0 completing a very impressive run of results.
With the seven hour trip from Exmouth to Bolton through Britain’s snow covered landscape Jack was rewarded for the huge effort in getting to the event. This cements Jack’s ranking, remaining at number 1 in the U.K which Jack claimed in October and has remained there ever since. He is now over a 1000 points clear of the number 2 in the U.K.
Jack trains at the University of Exeter Tennis Centre, where he receives dedicated and specialised coaching from the University’s Director of Tennis Will McNally. Jack trains with the University’s 1st team and other top juniors which allows him all the opportunities to be constantly challenged and continue his development.
McNally, a top level LTA coach who has worked with some top junior players, was full of praise for young Jack following his progress in the tournament, “It’s encouraging to see Jack’s hard work in training translate to success in competition. He is extremely keen and committed to the sport and his all-round game is developing quickly. Jack displays a great temperament for the big time as well as demonstrating an ability that can take him to even higher levels.”
Jack will be continuing a tough training schedule in preparation for both the 16 & Under and 18 & Under Masters events held at the National Tennis Centre which he has qualified for in both age groups. Jack obtained his first Junior ITF World Ranking in 2010 and moving up these rankings has been targeted as a main aim for this year.
As a result of his performances over the past year Jack was rewarded by being selected to represent Great Britain in the Dunningham International Match and now regularly attends National Training Camps at the LTA’s headquarters in Roehampton, London. He has also represented the Devon County at all junior levels and recently made his senior debut in the Winter County Cup winning all his singles.
Jack hopes to become a professional tennis player and dreams of being the next British Wimbledon Tennis Champion. He is extremely determined and is a great competitor who fights for every single point of every game of every match. If his success to date is anything to go by, 16 year old Jack could soon be making waves on an even bigger stage and perhaps may even realise his dreams.
Jack's father Simon reviewed Jack's progress by commenting “Jack has had a fantastic year in 2010, he is now beginning to dominate the national stage at 16 & Under and hopes to progress from 14th place on the UK 18 & Under Leaderboard by the end of the year. If he continues at his current rate in 2011 a top 5 finish is well within his sights."
However funding Jack’s progress remains a challenge for his family and any help would be greatly appreciated.
For more information contact:
Will McNally - Director of Tennis Simon Findel-Hawkins
Exeter Tennis Centre 01395 336639
01392 263699 / Mobile 07581 336639
W.J.McNally@ex.ac.uk