CRICKLADE tennis starlet Ethan Miller admits watching this year’s Wimbledon has been made all the more difficult after he fell just short of strutting his stuff at the world-famous venue, writes Luke Baker.

As the likes of British No.1 Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams show what they can do at this year’s Wimbledon, Miller had the chance to follow suit as he competed in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon South West Regional Qualifier at the East Glos Club in Cheltenham.

The 13-year-old was playing for a spot in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & Under Challenge at the All England Club in August but lost 6-2, 7-5 to eventual winner Matthew Young.

But despite falling short of a memorable outing at the famous SW19 courts this time around, Cirencester Kingshill School pupil Miller is adamant we haven’t seen the last of him.

“I thought I played pretty well generally but the first set didn’t go too well for me,” explained Miller, who trains at Virgin Active in Gloucester and Bath University.

“In the second set I managed to get a good lead but it didn’t work out. Matthew just played pretty well.

“I’ve got a few tournaments coming up and I’m planning to go to Spain for a tennis academy in October as well. I’d like to turn professional in the long-term.”

Although Miller failed to advance to Wimbledon, former British No.1 Tim Henman believes he is still very much one to watch out for in the future.

“Players are always disappointed when they miss out on qualifying for the HSBC Road to Wimbledon national final and a chance to play on the grass courts at Wimbledon,” said Henman.

“Hopefully Ethan will be spurred on to greater achievements in his junior career and who knows maybe even play at The Championships as a professional player in the future.”

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.