ROYSTON Tennis Club head coach Matt Fellingham has praised the Wimbledon tournament, and believes his young protégés can learn a lot from watching the world s best. The 23-year-old said: It was the most exciting men s final I have ever seen. The tourn

ROYSTON Tennis Club head coach Matt Fellingham has praised the Wimbledon tournament, and believes his young protégés can learn a lot from watching the world's best.

The 23-year-old said: "It was the most exciting men's final I have ever seen.

"The tournament has certainly helped raise the profile of British tennis.

"And a lot of that is has come from Laura Robson -to win the junior title at just 14 is unbelievable.

"I think more people than ever were tuned in, and in and around Royston the courts have been full.

"Our players showed a lot of determination and in Andy Murray, Anne Keothavong and Chris Eaton we had more players than ever to cheer on."

Over the past few years, a lot of time and funds have been invested in British tennis, particularly at junior levels, and Fellingham hopes to see a British champion soon.

But he said: "Unfortunately I don't think people realise just how hard a task that is.

"To get that far takes an extreme amount of hard work.

"However, investment has been made, so hopefully we will have a champion soon.

"I do think we need more investment though, as many of our top junior players are training abroad."

However, back in Royston, Fellingham, who has been the club's head coach for almost four years, remains as committed as ever to developing local talent.

He said: "I always tell my juniors to watch the players at Wimbledon closely.

"In fact, many of them got the opportunity to go and watch some of the games and I'm sure that they learned a lot.

"And I think that they have learned the importance of consistency and determination.

"Rafael Nadal seems to be the most popular player with our younger players and a lot of them have been trying to copy the way he plays and to adopt his unique style.

"And who better to copy than a Wimbledon champion?"

Royston have started their Cambridgeshire LTA League adults mixed doubles matches, with all three teams getting off to a bright start.

The first team saw off Cambridge fifths 6-2, while the seconds beat Cambridge sixths by the same margin.

The third team had to settle for a draw at home to Girton, despite the best efforts of Karin Lambert, Garry Tobiss, Ann Smith and John Goodbody.

The junior under-12 team of Alex Wilson, Nathan O'Looney, Gus Rees, and Leo Pickett drew 3-3 at Welwyn, while the under-13 first team of Miles Arnold and Isaac Pickett lost their third round match at home to Thorpe Wood 3-1.