Oakley hopes for a return to action soon

The 21-year-old has been out for eight months after having an operation on his back, following a gradual injury over last summer.

Oakley said: “The injury has been very frustrating and it has been up and down, at times it could have better but it also could have got worse.”

In September, 2010, Oakley clocked his first world ranking points shortly after turning pro, and he hopes to return to the court in around a month’s time.

Oakley will be receiving coaching and competing in local competitions over the summer to regain his form and fitness and, on his aims, said: “I want to make a career out of tennis, to compete in grand slams and reach the top 100 in the world rankings.”

Oakley will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of former Angmering star, Martin Lee, who reached a career-high ranking of 94 and played at Wimbledon, the US Open, Australian Open and Roland Garros.