Oakland2002 wrote:

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Yes definitely with CD on this, he is a tall agile athlete who appears to have a positive unassuming but optimistic mindset prepared to chase things down, yes the odd thrashing but I sense a its not over until its over attitude which is something you cant coach and a blessing as he progresses and margins becomer finer. To do so well from spring through to autumn is very impressive year 11 is tough, a lot going on, very early days but the best of luck to him.

It is very exciting to see this group of boys do so well, fitting a summer sport that they are playing at the age equivalent of professional level around GCSEs must be a nightmare. Jack is 6 months behind in age but an academic year behind in terms of schooling I would imagine this coming summer will be tight re fitting in GCSEs and playing tennis although both are his schools focus.

This summer must have been a bit tricker for Anton where although probably very obliging the schools sporting ethos is much more Rugby/Cricket and unlikely to be around Tennis. I feel it would be a good use of LTA resources if there was an individual tasked with faciltating this for players good enough to play at Grade 2 or above (perhaps grade 1 or above for girls ie age appropriate related to rank) at 15 turning 16. Just to let the schools know they have a very good athlete on their books who may become professional. I presume at the moment all this gets left to Mum and Dad?

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 I think Jack, Anton and George are all doing their tennis under the auspices of JTC where there is some sort of 'in-house' school.  I'm told they use an outside education provider who sends in teachers in the relevant subjects.  This must surely give more flexibiliy than a regular school and certainly no other sporting requirements.  I assume the parents have to pay separately for this as presumably some families use it more than others.  I think you'll find that the majority of the kids in the LTA radar are not in regular school and if they're not on the LTA radar they might as well not exist for all the interest that the organisation has in them.

paulisi wrote:

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David - do we have a decent contingent in the junior events?

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 Assuming you mean the Junior Orange Bowl, starting next week, there are 21 Brits on the acceptance list for the 4 events (including qualifying) which you can see at http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/tournamenthome/PreviewTDReport.aspx?id=99836  We have the strong quartet of under 14 boys who were seeded at the Eddie Herr, but just Alexandra MacDonald, Andrea Pineda and Isla Thornicroft in the under 14 girls main draw, so no sign of the long term absentees.