Drew wrote:

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It is also proposed that the event in 2007 would be Scotland v Spain featuring Mr Nadal !        

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Drew wrote:

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It is also proposed that the event in 2007 would be Scotland v Spain featuring Mr Nadal !
 
 
 
 

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DREAM COME TRUE FOR YOUNG BRITISH TENNIS STARS AS DATE WITH MURRAY AND RUSEDSKI BECKONS

Four up-and-coming British tennis stars have been granted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by organisers of the Aberdeen Cup after being handpicked to become team mates of Andy Murray and Greg Rusedski in the Scotland vs England tennis challenge at the AECC Indoor Arena in Aberdeen next month.

Teenagers Caitlin Steel of Tollcross in Glasgow, James McKie of Edinburgh, Hannah James of King’s Norton, Birmingham, and Southampton’s James Chaudry have all been identified by Scottish National coach, Judy Murray, as some of Britain’s most promising young tennis stars and invited to join their respective national teams at the high-profile indoor event on the weekend of 25th – 26th November.

16 year old Caitlin Steel of Western Lawn Tennis Club and James McKie, who is 15, of Waverly Tennis Club, will make-up a five-strong Scotland team captained by Andy Murray. Also representing the home nation will be Murray’s older brother Jamie, Britain’s no.1 ranked doubles player, and former British no.1 Elena Baltacha.

Steel, ranked no.1 in the 16-and-under age group in Scotland, was thrilled at the prospect of playing alongside one of the world’s biggest tennis stars.

“It will be a great experience being on Andy Murray’s team and I can’t wait to play for Scotland, it’s going to be a brilliant weekend,” said the three-time winner of the Tennis Scotland Junior Player of the Year Award.

“I think Andy Murray is an amazing player and I really admire his passion for the game and his pride at being Scottish,” she added.

Her Scotland team mate, James McKie, ranked 3rd in Scotland in the 16-and-under age group, was overwhelmed on first receiving the news of his call-up to Murray’s team but is now focused on the task ahead;

“After the initial surprise and shock of being selected, I now realise it is going to be a memorable experience,” he said. “I am nervous, but excited, and am looking forward to playing.  I know when the time comes I will aim to do my best for our team and for Scotland.”

The right-hander trains under the guidance of coach, Ross Murdoch and has had a number of successes on the British 16-and-under circuit, winning both the Midlands and Scottish Grand Prix titles.

“My long-term ambition is to play tennis for as long as possible and hopefully become a top class player,” he added.

15-year-olds Hannah James and James Chaudry will take their places in Greg Rusedski’s England team alongside James Auckland, Britain’s no.2 ranked doubles player, and Katie O’Brien, the British no.3. 

Hampshire’s James Chaudry, who faces McKie in singles on the Saturday evening, is currently ranked no.3 in the national 16-and-under age group and is also relishing the chance to play alongside his tennis heroes.

“I felt very excited and privileged at being asked to represent England in such a big event, especially being with players that are already on the big stage like Greg and Andy,” he said.

The right hander currently attends the Bath Tennis Academy and, having been ranked no.1 in the national 13, 14 and 15 age groups, harbours ambitions of reaching the very top of his sport.

“My long term ambition is to be number one in the ATP rankings. I have always dreamt of being the best, second place isn’t good enough,” he added.

Chaudry will team up with Warwickshire’s Hannah James in Sunday’s mixed doubles. James is another product of the Bath Tennis Academy after relocating there aged 13 and is currently ranked no.4 in the national 16-and-under age group. Coached by Ian Bates, the 15-year-old played her maiden ITF U18 event in Holland earlier this year after finishing 4th in the U16 grand prix overall standings.

The juniors will play singles on Saturday and mixed doubles on Sunday. The results of each junior match will contribute half a point towards the overall team totals.

The Aberdeen Cup is a Davis Cup style team challenge between Scotland and England.  Last year’s inaugural event was won by Andy Murray’s Scotland team by 4 ½ pts to 2 ½ pts.

David,

What do you make of the boy/girl selections made this week ?