Where are the next generation of British tennis players?

Andy Murray carried the hopes and dreams of British tennis on his shoulders almost single-handedly for 15 years after inheriting the mantle from Tim Henman. Now that the Scot is nearing the end of his career at the top of the men’s game, British tennis is desperate for a successor to fly the flag at Grand Slams and major competitions across the world.

As it stands, an ailing Murray is still Britain’s best hope of a Grand Slam champion in the near future, being backed in the tennis betting odds at 66/1 to win the 2021 US Open. Johanna Konta also has similar odds in the women’s game at 66/1, although it must be noted that her form has declined over the last two years. With the exception of Murray, Konta has been the most successful Brit in reaching three Grand Slam semi-finals between 2016 and 2019, but the 30-year-old has slipped down the world rankings and has not been competitive at majors since reaching the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows in September 2019.

It says something about the state of British tennis that only two players have produced enough quality on the major stage to advance to the last four of a Grand Slam over the last 15 years. It's worrying to consider that there's hardly any sufficient talent emerging through the ranks to ensure that British tennis has what it takes to remain competitive at the highest level. That being said, developing the next generation is far from a simple process because there are lots of obstacles at play.

There aren't a lot of elite coaches based in the UK, and the process of training and finding a coach can be very expensive. For example, Murray was forced to travel to Spain to receive the guidance that drove him to the top of the men’s game and three Grand Slam crowns. The Lawn Tennis Association have attempted to make strides in improving facilities and coaching for all ages, but accessibility remains an issue.

There are, however, fleeting examples of success. A prime example is Emma Raducanu, who made a huge impact in her first Grand Slam at the age of 18 by reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon. She impressed spectators with her powerful groundstrokes and her ability to close out points. The occasion of the fourth round overwhelmed Raducanu, although she will no doubt be greater for the experience. She has continued to impress in her tour matches since and represents great hope for Britain in the women’s game.

Another example is Jack Draper who was handed the toughest draw at Wimbledon after earning a spot at the All England Club. The 19-year-old was pitted against Novak Djokovic,

but he didn't back down from the world number one on centre court. In fact, Draper stunned Djokovic by winning the first set before the Serb upped the ante by winning the next three sets to cruise into the second round. It was a harsh learning experience for Draper, but even taking a set off the world number one was a massive achievement. He had pedigree at junior level by reaching the Wimbledon junior final in 2018, and the onus will be on him to make the step up at senior level.

There are few examples of a new crop of talent emerging in British tennis, but more needs to be achieved at a grassroots level to increase the number of quality players representing the UK on the elite circuit.