Josh sets sights on Wimbledon after gaining first U18 world ranking

Despite having only just turned 17, the teenager last week gained an under-18 world junior tennis ranking.

Josh, who trains full time at the Sutton Tennis Academy, had to win four very close matches against some of the top ranked juniors from around the world to gain his ranking.

It all began for Josh on the Ewhurst Parish Council courts where he was living at the time. His father Warwick, a passionate tennis player and coach, then moved Josh from Ewhurst to Rudgwick Tennis Club where they trained throughout the year in all conditions for five years, only thick snow stopping them.

His progress in tennis over such a short period of time is credit to his commitment, hard work ethic and love of the game of tennis.

Tim Bloomfield, chairman of Rudgwick Tennis Club, commented that the club were very proud to have been part of Josh’s early tennis career, and that the route to the top in sport can start from just a local village club.

Josh has started travelling internationally as well as all over the UK. This is currently funded by his parents, with costs well in excess of £1,000 a month. Josh receives a small funding grant from the LTA but is looking for financial assistance to be able to achieve his goal of playing at junior Wimbledon next year.

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