Q.)Why did you start playing tennis, and was there a specific player that inspired you to try the sport?
A.) I started playing tennis because I was inspired by my sister Lauren who was playing on the British Tour. Lauren paved the way for me so I was able to learn from her mistakes and successes. In 2016, when I was 12, I accompanied my sister to America dropping her off at Tiffin University as a tennis student scholar. I was really impressed with the facility and how the American system supports their student athletes, enabling players to continue playing at a high level alongside being able to achieve a degree.
This was the turning point for me, as up to now my sport was football, so in summer of 2017 I sat my parents down and asked them to allow me to train full-time tennis supported by home tutoring enabling me to pursue and follow in my sister’s footstep, this was when I decided this is what I wanted to do and I fell in love with the sport.
Q.) Which clubs do you currently train at and how would you describe yourself as a tennis player?
A.) I train at David Lloyd in Derby where I am coached by Tom Rushby and supported by Billy Harris and Pierre Luiggi. I have also played men’s team tennis at all divisions for Church Broughton Tennis Club. However I have now been asked to join the men’s first division team for David Lloyd, which I’m really looking forward to as I really enjoy team tennis and doubles. I’m passionate about tennis but due to my relaxed nature, I don’t get too emotional on court. I believe this allows me to stay focused and in control.
I would describe myself as an ‘out of the box’ kind of player, my friends nicknamed me ‘Iceman’ due to my chilled nature as I don’t show a lot of emotion on court. To me I enjoy going on court with no expectation as this enables me to play freely and to truly enjoy tennis as a game, and this I believe allows me to play the best tennis I can. People often mistake this aspect of my personality as me not having passion for tennis.
Q.) The Coronavirus has put a stop to tennis, are you still training at home and improving your fitness, getting ready for when tennis resumes?
A.) Training at home is a challenge but I am still able to follow a schedule set by Tim King and Sharon King of CIONE Postural Rejuvenation based in Loughborough and Harley Street in London. I have been with CIONE since the age of nine when football used to be my main sport, CIONE’s ethos is train smart i.e. quality over quantity, look after your body and your body will look after you.
CIONE’s program is based around an individual athlete’s biomechanic and natural ability (an ethos I now live by). With CIONE I’m on their customised plates maintenance, biocore, reformer, and pilates programs. I’m also training with Jon Coats of P6 Performance in Loughborough with more tennis specific strength & conditioning. Jon keeps in touch with me every week and re-adjusts my program weekly and on top of this I have added running and cycling to my daily routine.
I have also been using a rebound net and doing a lot of tennis footwork drills using my sister’s coaching equipment such as cones and ladders and I have been practising my serves.
Q.) The length of delay in tennis is unknown, but what do you want to achieve within the next couple of years of your tennis career?
A.) Starting tennis late I have a lot of catching up to do so I have been trying to get my personal rating up as in February 2018 I was still a 10.2 therefore I am trying to stay very realistic with my future aims, so my next aim will be to work hard and make sure I get into Under 16 & Under 18 Grade 3 & 2. As I mentioned before I really enjoy team tennis and am hoping to be considered to play for the Men’s National Team Tennis at Lady Bay Club in Nottinghamshire where my sister Lauren, Billy Harris and Pierre Luiggi all play. Then, move onto the British Tour Circuit, which will hopefully lead me to a college scholarship in the US. Being realistic the pro circuit is not what I’m aiming for at this moment although I am not ruling it out especially for doubles.
Q.) Are you planning on joining a tennis academy, or are you confident you can be successful with your current setup?
A.) Due to my belief in biomechanics and CIONE’s ethos and wanting to achieve a degree in biomechanics, I don’t feel full-time at a tennis academy is right for me as I do enjoy the specific program tailored just for me. However, I do join tennis camps with Ace Tennis Camps UK in Barcelona and Queenswood School. I am also hoping to be able to spend some time doing extra training at Gomez Academy in Naples, Florida where my first coach Mathew Lowe is now running their elite program. Once the lockdown is over I will also be joining squads at Edgbaston Priory Club.
Q.) The mens game is in a great place right now, with many different styles of player on tour, are there any players you really study and learn from?
A.) I do watch tennis but I prefer watching it live rather than through the TV. I am a true believer that players should be inspired by pro players but I don’t believe that you should copy their style. One of the players I am inspired by is Nick Kyrgios for his character as Nick goes out and gives all he’s got but he still manages to make the game look fun and enjoyable. I am also inspired by Roger Federer due to his mentality and his movement on court. But my main inspiration comes from a friend of my sister, Billy Harris, also lovingly known as the ‘White Van Man’ due to how he travelled all around Europe competing on the ITF Circuit living in a white van all for the love of tennis. I look up to Billy’s work ethic and appreciate that he stills spares time to help and support juniors from any level.
Q.) I don’t know if you caught the Instagram Live from Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray recently…they created their fantasy players. Who would you pick to create your own fantasy player? Serve: Nick Kyrgios Return: Novak Djokovic Forehand: Roger Federer Backhand: Stefanos Tsitsipas Volley: Feliciano López Mental: Rafael Nadal Physical: Dominic Thiem
Thanks to Henry for the interview and I wish him the best for the future! Follow him on Instagram.
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