Paisley lad hopes to inspire youngsters to take up tennis
Paisley tennis prospect Connor Thomson is already aiming to inspire the next generation of Scottish stars.
The talented 20-year-old, currently in the second year of his prestigious scholarship at the University of South Carolina, has been taking part in a new YouTube video series launched by Tennis Scotland to allow fans to peek behind the curtain of a day in the life of a player.
Despite only just embarking on his own career, the former Gryffe High School pupil is hoping the behind the scenes access will show just how much effort it takes to make it to the top as he chases his dream of turning professional.
He also believes Scotland must capitalise now on the remarkable achievements of Andy and Jamie Murray as they reach the final few years of their stunning careers.
Speaking from the US, he told Express Sport : “When the national player programme was announced they came up with an idea to give people an insight into tennis players’ lives.
“People often think tennis is all about travelling the world and playing, but the reality is that you are training hard every single day.
“The hope with the videos is they will show how much hard work and sacrifice goes in to becoming a top player.
“As well as showing what it takes, it’s also about showcasing what we do and the enjoyment you get back from the sport.
“If I can help inspire one young player to get into tennis, and even follow my lead and come over to America to follow their dreams, then that’s a win for me.
“We want to make the next generation even better.
“Arguably one of the best ever players has come from Scotland in Andy Murray.
“Jamie Murray is one of the best ever doubles players to play the sport.
“We’ve got some top, top players and a lot of young talented guys coming through too.
“There’s a foundation to make Scotland one of the best tennis countries in the world, but we’ve got to capitalise on it now.”
Like many elements of sporting life, Thomson’s progress was hindered by Covid-19 as his softmore year was derailed
when the virus hit the States hard.
Now he’s back in the swing of regular action, with the Paisley lad fully focused on making the professional ranks. Thomson said: “Everything’s going ahead as planned.
“This season is unaffected which is massive for me.
“The numbers here are higher than the UK but the US Government is much less strict.
“You still have to stay safe, wash your hands etc.
“I’m in my sophomore year just now, but they’re allowing us to retake our first year due to the coronavirus, and our conference season just recently started up.
“There’s still some restrictions but we’re full go now an I’ve got matches every weekend until May. “I just turned 20 in January but I came to uni here when I was 18.
“I had a really successful f reshman year and
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started to reach the top of the lineups in competitions.
“At the moment I’m just trying to build up experience and play against all the best players in college tennis. The standard here is incredible.
“I’ve got to try and make my mark at college before trying to make my mark in the professional game.
“That’s been my dream since day one.”
While Thomson’s passion for the sport is unquestionable, he revealed it has been difficult to be away from his family in Paisley for so long.
Nevertheless he admits he is still loving life Stateside, with a future career coaching on the other side of the Atlantic something he’s targeting should he not reach the professional game.
Thomson added: “Coronavirus has been tough. I was in Portugal in June last year training and then went straight to the US.
“I couldn’t get a flight home over Christmas with the twoweek hotel isolation thing, so I stayed with a teammate in Florida instead.
“A normal 20-year-old wouldn’t be away from their parents for so long. I Facetime my mum, dad and brother every couple of days but it’s never the same as actually being there.
“It’s hard, but they support me and understand why I’m doing it.
“Hopefully by the end of our season here in May we’ll be back to some normality and I’ll be able to get back home again.
“The American lifestyle is a bit different to Paisley to be fair!
“I didn’t think about coming back until last year when covid hit. I’ve grown up a lot and I’ve seen what tennis means to me.
“Being in the US and playing now is a blessing and I want to use it as much as I can to help other players. Hopefully the Tennis Scotland videos will help with that.
“T h e r e ’ s w a y m o re opportunities for coaching here.
“They take tennis really seriously here and pour a lot of money into the sport at every level.
“I could see myself coaching here when I’m older.
“I’ll definitely be in tennis my whole life. It’s my passion.”
To view Thomson’s Tennis Scotland video blog, visit www. youtube.com/watch?v=YnMOu7plCo&t=51s