Tennis Europe organise Masters events for the top 8 under 14s and under 16s at the end of each year. There have been a couple of British winners in the past (Liam Broady and last year Joshua Sapwell in the under 14s).

This year our only direct qualificant was Julian Cash in the under 16s. Unfortunately he had to withdraw, but this helped open up a place for Shakeel Manji. Most of the top under 16s opt for ITF tournaments, but a few strong players come through the TE16 route, not least of which Oliver Golding. Like Oli, Julian and Shakeel have concentrated on these events in their first post-14 year.

Shakeel played his first match today and lost to the second seed Matej Maruscak 6-3 6-3 so plays Romanian Paul Rares Andriuc tomorrow in the battle for the minor places.