East Renfrewshire tennis ace Gregor Stott shines at Wimbledon

Gregor Stott, 14, was one of a number of teenagers invited to the All England Club on the middle Saturday of this year’s Championships to take part in a coaching session with former British number one Tim Henman.

It came following Gregor’s success in last August’s HSBC Road to Wimbledon National Finals, where he was crowned under-14 boys’ singles and doubles champion.

That competition was played on one of the Wimbledon practice courts but Gregor, who is a pupil at Mearns Castle High, in Newton Mearns, took a step up this year, enjoying an hour-long coaching clinic on Court 14, which is competed on by professional players.

He also had an audience watching, with members of the public settling into their seats ahead of the day’s play.

Gregor, who trains at Giffnock Tennis, Squash and Hockey Club, admitted it had been an experience to savour.

He said: “It was great being here at Wimbledon. The weather has been brilliant and to be on a Championship court at Wimbledon is just amazing.

“I’ve learnt loads, especially to concentrate on the process and not the outcome. For example, not focusing on the scoreboard, just focusing on hitting the shots in.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon is the UK’s largest grass court tournament, involving more than 10,000 youngsters each year.

Gregor and his fellow HSBC Road to Wimbledon Finals winners were also joined by players from the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative.

Four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist Henman, who was assisted by All England Lawn Tennis Club head coach Dan Bloxham, admitted he had was impressed with the talent on display.

He said: “It was a really enjoyable session and all the players were really getting into it and showing off some really good shots.

“It was good, especially with the sun shining and people watching them on the Wimbledon courts. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the players in the years to come.”

HSBC is the official banking partner of Wimbledon. Follow @HSBC_Sport