It’sasmashing performance fromThomas
Young Thomas Dixon shows off his medal The action at Wimbledon has been gripping the nation as the world’s best battle it out in London.
But Perth youngster Thomas Dixon, aged nine, has been smashing his way to success on home soil in Scotland.
The Kinnoull Primary School pupil recently finished runner-up in the nine and under event at the Scottish Junior Closed Championships.
Held at Strathgryffe Tennis Club, Thomas advanced through the group stage before navigating his way into the final.
An exciting 7-5, 7-5 semi-final victory set-up the showdown match which narrowly went in favour of opponent Cole Mckie.
“I get a bit nervous watching but it was a good day, very hot, but he played well,”said proud dad Peter (49).
“There were five in the group to begin with and he came second in that, losing one game.
“It’s then into matchplay and he won his first game in two straight sets. The semi-final was a really close game.
“Both players were real hitters and he won 7-5, 7-5. It was great game to watch with a lot of clapping from the parents.
“Thomas has been getting better mentally. He came second in the East of Scotland nine and under and also the 10 and under.
“He’s pretty cool and is quite confident.
“He maybe got slightly nervous in the final but on the whole he doesn’t tend to get too nervous.”
Thomas became interested in the sport at a young age when his ability was noticed by Perth Tennis Club coach Craig Cameron.
But he is also a member of Kinnoull Tennis Club and is coached one-onone by Scone Tennis Club’s Marcin Tycner.
“He first got into this at Paint Pots Nursery when Craig went along to do a tennis session,”Peter explained.
“Craig left a note saying that Thomas showed an aptitude towards tennis if he wanted to come down. The rest is history.
“I play golf and wanted him to do that.
“But he won’t go near a golf course.
“He plays football as well, lots of sports, and it’s important not to specialise.
“You don’t want to take it too seriously.
“It puts too much pressure on the kids so the main thing is that they are enjoying it and out in the sunshine, which we’ve had a lot of recently.”
Putting in the hours on court - and at the wall in the back garden - will keep Thomas sharp
He’s pretty cool and is quite confident
through the summer months.
He was back in 10 and under Scottish Junior Closed Championships action this week before his tournament schedule eases off.
Peter added:“He goes out in the back garden and hits against the wall. We don’t tell him, he just goes and does it.
“There is the event this week but then there is probably nothing until August or September.
“He has not played that many tournaments.
“Strathgryffe is the furthest I’ve ever taken him.
“Usually it’s Stirling or Edinburgh.
“I don’t want to be driving him all around the country.”