Being Held Back

With the state of British tennis at an all time low, it is hard to see a way out of a seemingly ever growing black hole. Now the coach’s role has been made less influential, is it set to get worse?

For years the nation has struggled to produce the finest talents on the world circuit. With the exception of current world number four Andy Murray there hasn’t been any others breaking through.

The most recent addition to the downfall was Britain’s loss to Lithuania in the Davis Cup. Without Murray, the team ran out of ideas against their opponents who are ranked 21 places below them.

A surprise too many is the fact Murray did not come through the L.T.A. (Lawn Tennis Association) system; he opted to be put through his paces in Spain. A country that has produced the likes of five time French Open winner Rafael Nadal along with former grand slam champions Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Moya.

The criticism of failing to produce young prospects has fallen heavily on the shoulders of the L.T.A. who recently put a new Competition Framework policy in place. The policy means players of a certain age, despite their ability can’t play in competitions above their age group. It comes into play predominantly when a youngster is switching from soft green balls to regular yellow ones. The system has been tested and is to stay firmly in place with very little flexibility.

The age for the ball switch is now 12; five years older than Murray who was seven when he made the change.

Many have cited the fact that player’s coaches who have been teaching them for years should have the final say on whether or not they can compete in an older age group. If there professional opinions hold no bearing on their player competing, how can talent expect to progress?

On the other side of the spectrum the women’s game looks, somewhat surprisingly, to be overtaking the men’s in terms of success and progression. Heather Watson and Laura Robson have both become junior grand slam champion’s providing a temporary cover up for an otherwise fragile situation.

Overall the evidence is stacking up against the talent of Britain, with only Andy Murray flying the flag it isn’t clear whether or not any more youth players are coming up through the ranks. If they aren’t it may be time to look at other successful countries structures.