TENNIS

When did you start playing?

I started playing when I was six. I’m originally from the US so there was this local park where I’d play a couple times a week. At the age of eight, I actually went to train at an academy. To be really good at tennis, you have to play several times a week; I think at this point I was playing around six times per week.

Who is your favourite professional player?

It’s always been Federer, but of course he’s retired now. I think I’d have to go with Djokovic, and I know how lots of people don’t like how he comes across as, maybe, not the friendliest guy and a bit arrogant, but I feel like his athleticism is unrivalled.

How much do you play per week?

Right now, I play two to three times per week; I train after School on Tuesday; Games on a Wednesday and at the weekend I try to play a friendly match or a club match.

What is the biggest challenge about tennis?

What is your favourite way to win a point or a match?

For me, the most satisfying way is hitting a passing shot – when your opponent has charged the net, is on the offensive and you are able to hit a passing shot down the line. One of my favourite shots is the backhand cross court because your opponent will usually assume that it is your weaker side.

What has been your greatest achievement when playing for Hampton?

My greatest achievement, in terms of tournaments - we’ve made it to the semi-finals of the Surrey League Championship a couple times. Usually, when you get to the quarters or semis, you start to face tough boarding schools like Reed's School or Seven Oaks, and these guys have all the time in the world to train because they are living on campus.

What do you like about tennis that puts it above other sports?

Tennis is a highly technical sport. I prefer playing singles because I like to be in control of my fate and turn around the match if I want to. Each match is an emotional rollercoaster, you can be dominating up until the last few games, and then all of a sudden the tables turn. After you win one set, it’s almost like a reset.

Stamina, mental stamina, to get through a whole match and the ups and downs, just getting through that. But also the barrier to entry, you need to start young to compete at a high level.

What tips would you give to younger pupils at Hampton, wanting to improve at tennis?

Just keep playing as much as possible, but try and compete. Quite a lot of people spend lots of time in training but don’t compete. When there’s something at stake, it’s a different game. For beginners, just learn how to hit top spin, when people start hitting the ball harder, you need that to control the ball.