In the Tennis Europe under 14 rankings Eric Lorimer is ranked 1 (and in the race rankings, which cover tournaments after last year's Masters rather than the rolling year). Niall Pickerd-Barua is 9th in the TE under 14, but second in the race rankings. Daniella Britton is the highest ranked British girl at 24 (22 in the race)
Hi Coup, from what I can decipher from WC's and team selections the LTA seems to favor Zech Hamrouni over Max Carrier, despite Max being higher ranked - is that fair and if so, do you know why?
Hi Coup, from what I can decipher from WC's and team selections the LTA seems to favor Zech Hamrouni over Max Carrier, despite Max being higher ranked - is that fair and if so, do you know why?
Sorry, I'm not sure. As per twentytoone below, Max C was the more favoured player for a couple of years, to my recollection. But results were rather disappointing. Zech certainly has a lovely relaxed arm to his game, but I haven't watched enough to have a properly informed opinion. I'm not sure how the LTA sees them now
Max was funded by the LTA until last year, but lost his funding. Not sure if Zech is funded
any clue why he lost his funding
His ITF results had been quite uninspiring
It's difficult for a federation - how long do they stick with someone whom they've identified as promising but who isn't getting the exepcted results?
It seems short-sighted to drop them too soon but their place is, of course, at the expense of someone else so it's also unfair to the others to stick with them for too long
Max is not the only one, of course - several other names jump to mind too
It appears Max C was given the same support level as Oliver B and Ben GW until just recently - in spite of his lackluster international results. Theres a lot of talent in the UK but the LTA cant support everyone indefinitely I guess.
Just makes no sense to me that he has no Funding given hes on track to make top 100 in juniors and I seem to remember him making the quartets at Les petit as which may have been a reason that he got the same funding as Ben and oli
Max was on the National Age Group U16 programme, for players who meet the National Academy criteria but choose not to go. He is now too old for the NAGP U16. The next step on the pathway is the Mens & Womens Programme which Max does not meet the criteria for selection - a 16 year old boy needs to have a ITF Junior ranking of 150 or better to be shortlisted for consideration.
-- Edited by Lambda on Thursday 2nd of May 2024 05:26:31 PM