ALTRINCHAM tennis starlet Peter Alam admits watching this year’s Wimbledon is made all the more difficult after he fell just short of strutting his stuff at the world famous venue.

As the likes of British No.1 Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams show what they can do at this year’s Wimbledon, Alam had the chance to follow suit as he competed in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon Northern Regional Qualifier at the Ilkley Tennis Club in Yorkshire.

The 13-year-old – who trains at the USN Bolton Arena – was playing for a spot at August’s HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & Under Challenge at the All England Club.

But, despite falling short of a memorable outing at the famous SW19 courts this time around, St Ambrose College pupil Davies is adamant we haven’t seen the last of him after losing out to Barney Fitzpatrick in his final qualifying match.

“I enjoyed playing here a lot as I’ve never played on grass before, so that was a good experience,” he said.

“It’s definitely a lot different to other surfaces. I always thought they would be quite similar but it’s not, and I learned that some bounces are a bit dodgy so you have to be ready in case the ball bounces high or low.

“Tournaments like this definitely help to show you what level you are, but I feel I could have done better if I had prepared more thoroughly in my warm-ups before my matches and hit more balls. So I’ll have to do that next time.

“It is amazing to play for the chance to go to Wimbledon. I’ve never been before and would love to go, so hopefully I can come back stronger next year.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & under Challenge began in 2002 and is 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 Alam 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 Peter will be spurred on to greater achievements in his junior career and who knows maybe even to play at The Championships as a professional player in the future.”

PLEASE LEAVE IN FINAL PAR – 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.