Tennis ace Jack is one of only two boys selected from the whole of the UK to represent the 18 & Under LTA team against former senior international players. Jack’s coach, Will McNally, Director of Tennis at the University of Exeter, said “this is excellent news and a real stepping stone for Jack“.
Following a set back in June where Jack suffered a broken wrist from a football accident, Jack has not looked back. After missing the whole summer Jack played his first competitive match in early October at the Delta Tennis Centre in Swindon in a regional 18 & Under tournament. Jack came through the weekend undefeated and managed to take the title. This was followed by a regional 16 & Under tournament in Oxford in mid October; again Jack successfully won the tournament claiming his second title in a row.
Over the recent half term holiday week, Jack competed in the 16 & Under Winter Nationals at Bath University; this is a prestigious event where all the top boys in the country compete for the national title. Jack started slowly and edged his way through to the quarter finals where he met the talented Alexander Juan from Surrey. Jack had lost to Alexander in April and was keen to get his revenge which he did with an impressive 6-2 6-1 victory. Jack then played the current 15 & Under European Masters champion, Joshua Sapwell from Bedfordshire, again performing to a high standard and winning the match 6-3 6-1. Unfortunately Jack ran out of steam in the final, eventually losing to Peter Ashley 6-4 6-3.
This has now given Jack enough points to promote him at the next ranking run to become the new British number one in the UK in the 16 & Under boys’ category and to also move up to number 9 in the UK 18 & Under age group as well. Together with his Great Britain call up, Jack has truly delivered over the last few months and following a national training camp, in Roehamption last week, the LTA Junior Men’s Tennis Manager, Martin Weston feels “We have a potential senior international player on our hands with Jack; he has a powerful all court game and a calm mental approach.”
Jack continues to study at Exmouth Community College where he receives great support from the school who actively encourage him to fulfil his tennis dream. It is worth noting that Jack has managed to compete at this high level while continuing his studies. Most of the other competitive juniors enjoy a full time tennis academy or full time tennis coach and private tuition. Considering the disadvantages Jack has had, his achievements are remarkable as he continues to improve his tennis skills. Jack is a determined individual who’s ambition of becoming a tennis professional have moved a step closer. There is a long road ahead but Jack has made great strides since his broken wrist in June.
I f you are interested in supporting Jack to become a Wimbledon star please contact Jack’s parents on 01395 225526. To compete at this level costs a large sum of money each year. Jack desperately requires additional sponsorship to continue his tennis training and travel around the UK. The next step for Jack is to play international tennis which again requires even more funding. If you think you are able to help, please do not hesitate to contact Jack’s parents.