Tennis: McIntosh in gear to step up a level

Published on Friday 16 October 2009 10:03

RISING Edinburgh tennis star Euan McIntosh enters a new era this weekend by stepping up to the under-16 ranks in the Ariel Indoor tournament at Scotstoun.

As Craiglockhart-based coach Mhairi Brown confirms, it has been a season of progress for the 14-year-old Royal High School student highlighted by a victory over European No.2 Evan Hoyt of Wales when spearheading Scottish success in a junior four nations tournament, also in Glasgow.

"Euan seems to thrive on the big occasion, particularly playing for his country because he loves team events. He also qualified for the under-14 nationals (where he helped cement a top-20 British rankings] and reached the finals of the Road to Wimbledon tournament," says Brown. The latter success earned Euan a coaching session with former world No.4 and grand slam semi-finalist Tim Henman.

Brown added: "What has really developed is Euan's understanding of his strengths and weaknesses making him much smarter on court nowadays."

And while Brown predicts that in the much longer term McIntosh shows the capabilities to make a career out of tennis, the immediate journey will be tough.

"Stepping into a new group is always difficult because of the rate at which boys mature, especially as the categories go up two years at a time," she says.

While Laura Robson won the Wimbledon junior girls event aged 14 such feats are rare in the boys' game.

"I envisage Euan's chance at contesting a junior slam coming in a couple of years' time but if he wants it badly enough he can get there."

Euan's other triumphs so far in 2009 include winning the Scottish under-14 grand prix singles title as well as doubles success in both the domestic under-14s and Craiglockhart European tour event.

Another favourite title of the youngster was the Barnton Park Centenary challenge which, although locally-based, proved special in that it was his first under-18 crown.

"I enjoyed the Barnton Park tournament partly because I got to play my good friend, Scott Duncan, in the final" recalled Euan, adding: "Although I first hit a ball at Blackhall tennis club, aged six, with my sister and brother, I mostly play out of Craiglockhart or at tournaments around the country so there's not much chance to play on the club scene.

"Hitting with Tim Henman was amazing because even though he has retired from tournaments he is still so good and he told me to be sure to pick a spot on court to hit the ball. Another highlight was the four nations tournament and having (Scotland under-14] coach Mark Walker court-side while we played to a Davis Cup format was exciting.

"There are still a lot of tournaments to come this year and being accepted into the main draw in my first under-16s this weekend when competitors will come from around Britain is encouraging. It's going to be fun."