A TENNIS prodigy from Billericay has been showcasing his talents in front of national scouts. Alexander Groves, 11, was invited to the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton where he played in front of the LTA Talent ID team, aiming to spot future top players.
A total of 41 youngsters were invited to the sessions, with one held at Roehampton and another at the Bolton Arena.
Even at the tender age of 11, the LTA are able to identify possible elite players with the right attributes to make a real impact on the sport.
Groves, who goes to New Hall School in Chelmsford, said: "I didn't have many nerves at all because I think it was something like my fifth talent ID, so I knew what to expect.
"It was good though. I've been working really hard on my forehand so I hoped I could show that."
The day was overseen by LTA head of talent management, Andrew Lewandowski, who was impressed by what he saw.
He said: "The players performed really well and showed lots of ability across a number of different tasks.
"These tested qualities including athletic ability, coordination, speed and agility and a real natural talent and love for the sport.
"It was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic and talented players give it their all.
"The LTA are committed to developing and supporting talent, and we now have the systems in place to give players like these the best possible chance of reaching their potential, so I look forward to seeing them progress."
