Lauren back in action after a difficult year

Jones, 19, was able to train just four times last year and did not play a competitive match in that time.

The teenager picked up tennis elbow in November, 2013, which kept her out until last February but a recurrence of the injury on her return continued to keep her out of action.

Speaking of her injury, Jones said: “The last year was a really difficult period as I missed the whole year through injury.

“I was on course for a return in February but my injury came back and forced me out until December.

“It was such a frustrating time as we were trying injections and other methods of recovery but nothing seemed to work.

“I did manage to return to light training at the end of December but that was for just 15 minutes per session.

“The injury has improved now and, hopefully, I can get back to my best in the near future.”

Jones’s injury came at the worst possible time as she was producing some of her best tennis in late 2013.

The Worthing teenager had reached career highs of 25 in the world singles rankings and 19 in the doubles rankings, while also occupying top spot in the junior world rankings.

Despite such a long lay-off, Jones is still confident that she can return better than before.

She said: “I’m confident that I can come back stronger than I was before I picked up the injury.

“I was playing some of the best tennis of my career then and I know it will be a long process but, hopefully, I can get back to that level.

“I have a training programme in place and, once I get through those sessions, I will then look at a tournament for my return.

“My long-term ambition is to be part of the Great Britain team in Rio De Janeiro next year but that is a long way off and I am just focusing on my return at this time.”