Shire duo’s success in championships Jed and Alexander serve up a treat in Glasgow
Tennis players from the region served up a treat at the West of Scotland Junior Open Championships.
Inchture ace Jed Alexander, who was unseeded for the event, performed impressively to lift the under-18 title at Newlands Tennis Club.
The 17-year-old defeated Gregor Stott 6-1, 6-1 in the final having earlier knocked out number one seed Samuel Macleod in the quarter-final.
“I haven’t been playing any tournaments so I went in unseeded,” said Jed. “After my first round match I was playing the first seed.
“The results looked pretty comfortable on paper but they were tough matches and I had to play really well to get through them.
“I’ve had exams in May so I had been busy revising for them. I’ve been training but it’s good to get back playing tournaments again.
“I had never played my final opponent before. It was my first time playing against most of them.
“In the final I played really well and did feel comfortable. But if I didn’t play well he definitely would’ve won because he’s a good player.”
Also picking up silverware at the event was Strathallan School student Alexander English.
The Perth Tennis Club member built on a growing reputation in the sport to finish runner-up in the under-12 boys’ singles.
Alexander, who was watching Andy Murray at Queen’s Club in London this week, got the better of fourth seed Leo Watt to book his final ticket before losing out to favourite Liam O’Brien.
Coach at Perth Tennis Club, Craig Cameron, said: “Alexander goes to Strathallan School but also plays his tennis at Perth.
“From the age of four he has played here. He was very sporty and right from the start you could see his eye for a ball was very good.
“It’s all about them and how much they want it - and also whether they are going to put the right attitude and time in.
“Alexander has a lot of the attributes but a huge amount of time and effort is also needed, hopefully with enjoyment at the same time.
“He is committed now. I’ll come down to the club and he will be at the courts hitting serves. He’s happy to do that himself.
“He has the desire to take tennis as far as he possibly can. If that means high club level or further, who knows right now.”
Craig is running a number of summer camps at the Hay Street courts, beginning on Monday, July 2.
“This club has a great history and there are a lot of kids coming through behind Alexander as well,” Craig said.
“We try to provide for absolutely everything. Saturday morning is pay on the day, so some kids come along one week and not the next.
“During the week is for the more dedicated kids who want to train between five and 10 hours a week.
“We’ve got camps coming up the first four weeks of the summer.” Jed won the under-18 singles title and (inset) Alexander English