So here we are that middle Sunday of Wimbledon – just another of the amazing traditions this beautiful, prestigous event has. Unlike the other 3 slams that play each and every day of the fortnight.

Already 112 men and 112 woman have gone home from the singles draws, we have had drama, golden sets, giant killing acts, sunshine and the usual strawberries and cream, rain, prize money equality debates, late night Murray ‘edge of the seat’ stuff. The real action starts tomorrow (weather permitting) when the last 16 players, and more importantly for STA when Josh Ward-Hibbert’s campaign in the Junior Singles starts, and JWH and STA access player Liam Broady in the doubles. Both boys are more than prepared and ready to go after good weeks at the Grade 1 in Roehampton last week as well as a great few days training. It’s an exciting time of year for the boys to be performing in front of the magnificent Wimbledon crowds.

It has been a great week’s preparation for Josh, as we have had Luke Passman (our Head of Strength and Conditioning) over which serious integrated work has taken place. This is a big philosophy here at the Academy and to have the time and opportunity to learn across fields together and bring each others expertise into practice with a player while being surrounded by the best junior players in the world has been invaluable. We spent many hours watching Josh and the other top players while also taking lots of video footage for us to go through.

An example of some of the work we have done is on Josh’s returns from his athletic ready position becoming wider and stronger from the ground up to the timing of the return on impact. There is clear crossover there between the classical ‘tennis coach’ and ‘fitness coach’. We have worked together with Josh in the gym and on the court to ensure the same strong and clear message is sent and received in order for positive change to happen. The future of tennis in my opinion has been seen by the teams surrounding Djokovic and Murray. It is a win-win for us coaches, as my knowledge of the physical aspects of the game are growing as are Lukes on the technical, tactical sides of the game.

Back to the green grass and a good night’s sleep for us in preparation for what we all live and breathe for – the moment our name is called out to play at SW19. Game set and match Mr Ward Hibbert and/or Mr Broady would be nice to hear tomorrow or maybe even next Sunday!

Over to you boys.