TEENAGE tennis sensation Jordan McCulloch is hoping to serve up a national title in Spain next week, writes Ben Coulbeck.

A semi-finalist in last year's Sunday Telegraph Center Parcs National Tennis Finals, the 15-year-old from Little Sutton aims to bring the trophy back from La Manga this time around.

Having qualified as the top British player in his age group with a creditable 420 points, amassed from a long, gruelling season, Jordan is setting his sights on one day getting into the top 50 players in the world rankings.

And following a string of successes this year on the grand prix circuit, with notable victories achieved at the Scottish Open in Edinburgh and the Chester Parks tournament, the former Whitby High School pupil has everything to play for.

Proud father Steve takes charge of Jordan's travel, sponsorship, paperwork and, of course, is an ever-present supporter. And he is quietly confident as his son prepares for the showcase finals on the Costa Calida.

He said: 'Jordan is looking forward to it. It'll be tough in La Manga but we're hopeful that he can win it this time.

'He made the semis last year and is always playing against boys at least a year older so he's doing very well.

'Jordan's always been a top player - he's been a GB player since the age of nine and one day he'd like to break into the top 50. He's already won world-ranking points at under 18 level.'

The seven-day event starting on Sunday will see Jordan play at the five-star La Manga Club resort - home to some the world's top competitions such as the ATP Tour and Davis Cup, featuring GB stars Tim Henman and Andrew Murray.

And Jordan has already crossed paths with Scottish tennis hero Murray.

'He's come across Andrew while playing in Europe,' added Steve. 'He actually knows his mother, Judy Murray, who he's met several times.'

Recent conqueror of world number one Roger Federer, Murray has trail-blazed his way from junior world rankings to Britain's number one is just a couple of years.

'He's an inspiration to Jordan and to all young British players,' said Steve.