Young star Alex has packed a lot into his 13 years

Hurstpierpoint tennis prodigy Alex Hyman has packed a lot into his 13 years. Already ranked as Sussex number one in his age group, Alex started playing social tennis with his family at The Weald Club in Hassocks.
Alex HymanAlex Hyman
Alex Hyman

At 11, he decided to start playing competitively and gave up all other sports to focus on tennis. He is now a member at Pavilion and Avenue Tennis Club in Hove, where he currently receives excellent coaching support from the whole team.

He has had individual coaching with Jack Palmer, is currently working with ex-national player, Martin Reeves, and his fitness coach is Francois Bach. Alex is their number 1 player for the 14 & under Aegon team and represents the Men’s team.

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A pupil at St Paul’s Catholic College in Burgess Hill, Alex heads for Hove each day after school for between two and four hours of training. Alex organises his own schedule, including getting to and from training to planning his tournament participation. During the Easter holidays, Alex won two grade 3 events in Chesterfield and Cheltenham.

Since he joined the club a few years ago his tennis has flourished and he has become very popular with his peers. He works hard to improve his technique and mental toughness which has resulted in recent tournament titles.

He is extremely self-motivated and dedicated to his tennis development, organising his weekly programme and tournament entries by himself.

His genuine love of the game, plus a desire to improve, resulted in him being selected to represent the victorious Sussex 14 and under team in the recent Inter-county Cup.

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Last year Alex successfully completed his Tennis Leaders certificate and has assisted with junior squad coaching and at tournaments.

To enable Alex to achieve his potential, he needs to gain more experience competing in the UK and Europe at higher level tournaments and some assistance towards his travel expenses would help him on the road to realising his dream.”

Pavilion and Avenue Tennis Club head coach Julie Hobbs (nee Pullin) is the former British number one and member of Team GB at 2000 Sydney Olympics.

She said: “Alex has been heavy involved in the performance programme at Pav and Ave. He is an amiable character, really committed to his tennis and in reaching his maximum potential.

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“With natural talent, a clever tactical mind and a strong athletic frame – all prerequisites for the modern game – he has already enjoyed numerous successes in competitions in and out of Sussex.

“Now is the time for Alex to gain more national and international experience and this will involve extra finance for travel, accommodation and coaching.

“I have been greatly impressed with his professionalism and hard work and therefore I could not recommend him more highly as a person who deserves the chance to reach his dream.”

Pavilion and Avenue Tennis Club coach Martin Reeves who is a former national player and LTA Talent and Performance Coordinator for the South East.

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Last year, Alex won the Howard Robbins Sportsmanship Award at the Sussex Tennis Awards and was also nominated for the Most Improved Player award.

(Link to presentation for Howard Robbins Award – 13mins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P6xCB60LZ4&feature=youtu.be)

During the next two years Alex is aiming to compete at the highest level possible to improve his ranking.

He will need to continue with the training programme he has put in place and to take part in UK tournaments, ITF and Tennis Europe events.

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This will be a very costly exercise, and Alex is hoping to secure funding to support him.

Any individuals or organisations who are interested in supporting a young, talented tennis player should contact Alex or his Mum, Sarah, by email [email protected] [email protected] or Sarah’s mobile 07595414454.

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