Sixteen year old Aimee Gibson was accepted into the qualifying of under 18 nationals last week. After a four week trip abroad of playing ITF events Aimee had good preparation for the peak of her summer. Under 18 nationals - previously hosted by the West Hants club in Bournemouth - are now held at the national tennis centre in Roehampton on the outdoor hard courts, a fitting setting for such a prestigious event. Aimee was seeded seven going into the tournament, and was due to play Elisha Hande a 4.1 from Gloucestershire. She got off to a slow start and was trailing 4-2 down when a rain delay took place. Aimee managed to pull herself together and fight back to win the first set 6-4 then power through the second set 6-1 to earn herself a place in the main draw.

In the main draw Aimee drew another qualifier Hannah Martin-Merchant. With added confidence from her previous weeks away Aimee had a good chance to make it through to the last sixteen if she put in a solid performance. However in the first set she struggled and went 3-0 down, but after her second slow start she once again found her level and fought through to win the match 6-4, 6-1. Craig Allen looked after all the Kent and academy players at the event and commented on Aimee’s match ‘Aimee got stuck in and found a good length on her groundstrokes, she became more aggressive as the match went on and managed to get into the net to finish points.’

After a good comeback in her first round Aimee lost to the number two seed Jocelyn Rae 6-3, 6-1. Aimee created herself opportunities in the first set, coming up with big serves when she needed them, but Rae proved too strong and Aimee wasn’t able to convert these chances to make an impact. Craig was pleased with how Aimee had improved over the last few weeks and described her performances in recent matches as very positive, resilient and determined!

Sixteen year old Aimee Gibson was accepted into the qualifying of under 18 nationals last week. After a four week trip abroad of playing ITF events Aimee had good preparation for the peak of her summer. Under 18 nationals - previously hosted by the West Hants club in Bournemouth - are now held at the national tennis centre in Roehampton on the outdoor hard courts, a fitting setting for such a prestigious event. Aimee was seeded seven going into the tournament, and was due to play Elisha Hande a 4.1 from Gloucestershire. She got off to a slow start and was trailing 4-2 down when a rain delay took place. Aimee managed to pull herself together and fight back to win the first set 6-4 then power through the second set 6-1 to earn herself a place in the main draw.

In the main draw Aimee drew another qualifier Hannah Martin-Merchant. With added confidence from her previous weeks away Aimee had a good chance to make it through to the last sixteen if she put in a solid performance. However in the first set she struggled and went 3-0 down, but after her second slow start she once again found her level and fought through to win the match 6-4, 6-1. Craig Allen looked after all the Kent and academy players at the event and commented on Aimee’s match ‘Aimee got stuck in and found a good length on her groundstrokes, she became more aggressive as the match went on and managed to get into the net to finish points.’

After a good comeback in her first round Aimee lost to the number two seed Jocelyn Rae 6-3, 6-1. Aimee created herself opportunities in the first set, coming up with big serves when she needed them, but Rae proved too strong and Aimee wasn’t able to convert these chances to make an impact. Craig was pleased with how Aimee had improved over the last few weeks and described her performances in recent matches as very positive, resilient and determined!

Congratulations to Sam Taylor and Callum Holloway for earning their first under 14 Tennis Europe points. They both competed in the Bournemouth Open, one of the most prestigious tournaments of the summer. Craig Allen took a group of 12 BTA players of mixed age and ability down to Bournemouth last week to compete in all events ranging from under 14 Tennis Europe to Ladies open.

Sam and Callum showed great potential by winning tough first round matches. Callum played an epic three set match, where he defeated James Moss (GBR) in three and a half hours! He lost the first set 6-3 then went on to save match point in the second set to win 7-5, 6-4. Sam played the 10th seed from Scotland Euan Mcintosh, he got off to a good start and won the first set 6-1, however his opponent stepped up in the second to take it 6-2. The boys were playing a high quality match and having some great rallies, but during the first game of the third set Mcintosh fell and rolled his ankle, leaving him no choice but to retire from the match. Craig Allen watched the match and commented on Sam’s performance ‘Sam played some exceptional tennis in his match, he has really made a big improvement due to his commitment and hard work, so getting his first point is a great reward for Sam.’

By winning their matches and getting their first Tennis Europe point each they now are both internationally ranked players! We wish the boys success in climbing the rankings!

After four exciting weeks of international tournaments, Lewis Burton didn’t disappoint at the Bournemouth Open. Lewis, along with Sam and Callum was part of the BTA team at the event, where he entered the under 16’s and 18’s. With high hopes for Lewis at the start of the week, the win was never a dead cert due to the strength of many other top players in the draw.

Seeded one in the under 16’s Lewis dropped only one set on his path to the final, where he had six match points before eventually winning 6-4 in the third set! After this character building match he only gained confidence and defeated Nick Sayer 6-4, 6-4 in the final. Playing an age group up in the under 18’s never phased Lewis, seeded five he stormed through to the final to play the number two seed from Scotland, Callum Gee a 3.2, one rating higher than Lewis. After a tight first set that Lewis took in the tiebreak, he eased through the second set 6-2 to take the title.

Winning eleven straight matches Lewis Burton seems unstoppable. With Nationals coming up, good luck to Lewis for the rest of the summer!