Future’s bright for rising star Tom Farquharson

Talent: Tom Farquharson won the boys' doubles title with Liam Broady on the hallowed lawns of SW19
13 April 2012

There are only 92 miles between Wimbledon and Frinton-on-Sea tennis club but in terms of the sport they are worlds apart.

A couple of weeks ago, Tom Farquharson was on his way to winning the boys' doubles title with Liam Broady on the hallowed lawns of SW19. This week he has been at Frinton in the next leg of what is sure to be a long and, at times, painful journey if he is to make the transition from promising junior to fully paid-up member of the senior men's tour.

"I know what I have started is a tough road but if you are ready for it, then you can be successful," said the 18-year-old.

The move up the ladder has proved too difficult for many of this country's bright young prospects. It is not for the faint hearted or the cash strapped, as it takes them to places on the fringes of the tennis world in search of the all-important ranking points that will determine their success as a professional player.

Farquharson earned his first ranking point last week, defeating world No1677 Nicolas Grammare at the Ilkley grass court £6500 Futures event.

Unfortunately, the draw at Frinton was not kind to Farquharson as he was paired with the fourth seed Alexander Sadecky and the world No367 put paid to the Briton's hopes in straight sets.

Undeterred, he now has his sights set on the next Futures event, this time in Chiswick at the end of the month, hoping to prove he can be competitive in the third division of the sport.

If Farquharson can make an impact at that level, then Challenger tournaments — for more cash and higher ranking points — become a possibility. The ultimate aim, of course, is the lucrative but hugely-competitive main ATP Tour, which includes the four Grand Slams; Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open and French Open.

For now, though, the focus for the Sutton-based player is much lower. As well as the tournament in Frinton, there are Futures events this week across the world in countries including Iran, Romania and the United States.

With costs the main worry at this level, players opt for the nearest potential pay day — no matter how small. As part of Team AEGON, Farquharson receives funding from the Lawn Tennis Association but he still needs the continuing support of his family.

The search for a sponsor has been intensified now he can put "Wimbledon champion" next to his name and the long list of British players who have failed to make the senior grade is not putting him off.

Farquharson said: "I have heard about the drop-off from junior to senior level but I believe I am mentally prepared for what is coming. If you want to get to the top you have to start at the bottom of the ladder and the Futures, in all different places, is where I am starting and it will define me as a player.

"It's great to have Andy Murray flying the flag for Britain, following on from Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski, and it gives you something to aim for.

"Stepping up to seniors you need to be stronger both physically and mentally and I believe I am capable of doing that. The ranking computer will become a key part of my life but if I am doing the right things on and off the court then it will take care of itself."

Farquharson is one of a growing number of British players who are training away from the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton but who still receive central funding from the LTA. He is based in Aix-en-Provence, working with brother Sandy and loving every minute in the South of France.

"I am very lucky to be able to do that," he said. "My brother was coaching a French player out there who lived in Aix and I went out to train as well. I loved the whole experience with my tennis improving in a matter of weeks.

"Before that I was at the National Tennis Centre, having originally worked with Dan George, who coached me from seven to 15 years old at Sutton junior tennis centre.

"Early on, I had a few temper problems and Dan would say to me there is always someone, somewhere training harder than you' and that was a great way to look at things."

Farquharson believes that part of the reason his game has improved is because of the opportunities he has to test himself in France. He said: "In Aix, there is a huge

depth of players of all different abilities — they have grown up on clay — and my brother can use different clubs in the region for training.

"I get to train against up-and-coming young players and older trickier ones and that was a big part why I opted to go there."

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