Oliver Horton takes a shot at national championships

Oliver Horton

Oliver Horton has been aiming high recently as he played for his spot at the National Finals of the HSBC Road to Wimbledon.

The 13-year-old Middleton Technology student took on the under 14 challenge at the All England Club, and said that although he didn’t make it through this time, he will keep getting better until he is on the famous London courts.

Oliver, who practises at Middleton Tennis Club, dreams of being a professional tennis player and says his dreams are far from dashed at this year’s outcome.

Mum and dad Kathryn and Andrew Horton have been supporting Oliver’s ambition and say they couldn’t be prouder of what he has achieved so far.

Over 10,000 youngsters take part in the series of national tennis tournaments each year, with some aiming to be the next generation of Wimbledon stars.

Mum, Kathryn, said: “We are both extremely proud of Oliver for his commitment and dedication to a very difficult sport with challenging training, outdoors all year round without floodlights.

“Oliver has exceeded everybody’s expectations of him, although he did not qualify for HSBC Road to Wimbledon finals we are incredible proud of him, for getting there and trying his best.”

She added: “Oliver would love to play tennis professionally in the future, but he also realises that he is on a journey. That journey may take him to the ATP World Tour or it could be playing locally, one thing is for sure he will play for life.”

HSBC Road to Wimbledon is the biggest junior tournament in British tennis and gives all under 14 players the opportunity to progress through to compete on the world famous grass courts at Wimbledon. Local clubs, parks and schools are encouraged to enter and stage a tournament for their members/pupils.

HSBC has been supporting the championships since 2008.