14 April 2009 – sportsecho.co.uk - David Marshall
Daniel Cox aiming to repeat fine form in Turkey
Rising tennis star Dan Cox took a day off yesterday ahead
of his second tournament in Antalya, southern Turkey.
But the Lincoln teenager was not spending his time lazing in the Turkish sunshine, writes Dave Marshall.
With one eye on earning a wild card entry to this year's Wimbledon tournament in June, Cox was busy on the practice courts as he attempts to maintain his rise up the world rankings.
Just four weeks ago, the former British Junior number one was in the 800s in the world after stepping up to the senior tour at the start of the season.
But after reaching the latter stages of his last two events, Cox is now at 698 and rising.
"As far as I know, if I can remain in the 600s then there is a strong possibility I will be able to get a wild card for Wimbledon" said Cox.
"But obviously my plan is to get higher up the world rankings than that."
Cox earned his day off yesterday after reaching the semi-final stages last week. His achievement gave him special exemption from the qualifying rounds this week and a place in the main draw.
The 18-year-old eventually lost out to Martin Pedersen of Denmark in his semi-final, 7-6, 6-3.
"I was a break down quite early in the match and he played particularly well" Cox added.
"He is one of those players who, when he is on form, can play some unbelievable tennis, and when he's not on his game, he is beatable.
"I have spoken to someone who watched the final and he was apparently nothing like as good as he was in our semi-final.
"I was disappointed to go out at the semi-final stage, but I can be pleased with my progress overall.
"Like I have said before, my tennis does seem to have clicked, but it is my attitude more than anything.
"I just seem to be more relaxed on the court and have so much more self belief."
Despite reaching the semi-final last week and earning a place in the main draw for this week's tournament, Cox will not be one of the seeded players.
He will find out who he will face in the first round later on today and could be on court either today or tomorrow.