Hi Everyone!

What a fantastic Aussie Open! The great thing about major sporting events is even in the absence of big stars through injury, the event takes on a life of its own and new stars emerge to bring on the glitter and drama. 

Hingis and Baghdatis were the big stories and hopefully Marcos will continue to improve and move into the top 20 and higher. His attitude is refreshing and reminds us that tennis is still a game to be enjoyed, even though the hard work and professionalism are tough to achieve. 

Federer has set himself up now for a serious attempt at the Grand Slam (winning all four) and if he wins the French he will hold all four at the same time - remarkable and what a good guy. His quote, “it is nice to be important but important to be nice” speaks volumes for the man – a perfect ambassador for the sport. 

Congratulations to Amelie Mauresmo on her first Grand Slam title and I hope she wins another in better circumstances. Please read the journey of Justine Henin-Hardenne through the diary of Antony Hampson. The Williams sisters need to go back to basics if they are to recover and become major contenders again. The Open will have been a loud wake-up call that the intense training to prepare for a grand Slam, including lead-up matches, is very important.  

Both the men’s and women’s Tours are in fantastic shape for providing great competition and intrigue as many stories unfold -  Federer, Baghdatis, Murray, Agassi, Henman, the Williams sisters, Clijsters, Hingis and Mauresmo, to name a few. How will the tennis year for each of the stars unfold? Which new young players will emerge as credible challengers to the top of the game? I can’t wait! 
 

Leeds LTA Academy  

Jo Craven reached the quarter-finals of the third U18 Grand Prix Masters and was third overall for the series. 

Naomi Broady won the third U16 Grand Prix tournament and is currently in second position on the points table. She also reached the semi-final of the U18 tournament. Naomi is currently playing ETA in France and will represent the UK at the European Winter Cup in Austria later this month. 

Laura Gilbert has just returned from an U16 training camp in La Manga with players from the other Academies.

All the best,

David