OXTED tennis starlet Dominic Spicer insists he is hungrier than ever to see his name in lights after falling short of booking his spot at a prestigious Wimbledon tournament.
The 14-year-old arrived at the HSBC Road to Wimbledon South East Regional Qualifier at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton with the aim of underlining his future potential.
Spicer was playing for a spot at next month's HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & Under Challenge at the All England Club but could not find a way past Marley Silcott in round one, losing 7-5 6-1.
But, despite falling short of a memorable outing on the famous SW19 courts this time, Lingfield Notre Dame School pupil Spicer is adamant we haven't seen the last of him yet.
"It was a good game but I think my serve let me down, if I'd served better I would have had a better chance of winning the match," said Spicer.
"But overall I was quite pleased with my strokes, my rallies, winning most of the points at the back so it wasn't too bad.
"I've done the Road to Wimbledon event a couple of times before, it's a good tournament and I enjoy it.
"Next year I will be in the U16s so I will be back for that one.
"Playing at Wimbledon is a dream come true, it's what you want to do as a player.
"I'll just keep practising hard."
The HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & under Challenge began in 2002 and the largest junior tournament in the UK, involving some 850 clubs, parks and schools with youngsters bidding to reach the national final at the All England Club.
And although Spicer failed to advance to Wimbledon, former Davis Cup captain and tournament director Paul Hutchins believes that he is still one to watch out for in the future.
"Players are always disappointed when they miss out on qualifying for the HSBC Road to Wimbledon and a chance to play on the grass at Wimbledon," said Hutchins.
"Hopefully Dominic will be inspired to enter the event next year if age eligible or be spurred on to greater achievements in his junior career.
"And who knows, he may play at Junior Wimbledon during the Championships or even compete as a pro player in the main draw."
The HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & Under Challenge is the UK's largest national junior grass court tournament and forms part of HSBC's investment in the stars of the future.
