TENNIS ace Jordan McCulloch is targeting the world’s top 150 after an impressive summer at under 18 level.
The 17-year-old from Ellesmere Port won the boys’ doubles at the International Tennis Federation’s Scottish Junior Open in Edinburgh with Ahmed El Menshawy and reached the singles semi-finals.
Last winter he also won the Ariel Grand Prix Masters.
He has been working with a Chilean coach in Spain and intends to enter the Porto U18s tournament in Portugal as he targets entries into the youth tournaments of the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
He is currently ranked sixth in the U18s and 75th in the LTA open age listings in Britain.
“Jordan was disappointed not to get a wildcard for this year’s Wimbledon tournament,” said dad Stephen.
“He played well enough but didn’t get the break this time. He is still a year ahead of himself, however, and next year he is expecting to qualify for these events without the need for a wildcard.”
On Monday, he was knocked out in the first round of the National U18s at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, by James Choudry, who won two sets to one.
But his performances at ITF events have surprised his parents, who expected him to take a season to get used to the step up to U18s. Now he is thinking about dipping his toe into the Futures tour, two rungs below the main ATP tour.
“Everyone is a bit stronger, a bit more tactically aware at U18s level,” said Stephen.
“To come into it early, we thought would be difficult. But Jordan has adapted well and if he puts together a good winter programme he should be able to build on his experiences and start moving into the world’s top 150, which is his target now.
“That will see him contending for a place on the Futures tour where he can then start building the basis for a possible career in the game.
“It is a lot of hard work but Jordan puts it in and enjoys it so hopefully he can continue to improve and have some real success next summer.”
