TOP British coach Alan Jones cast his eye over a class of tennis hopefuls last week and believes Saffron Walden s Colum Tremayne could be the next player to hit the big time. Jones, who has coached eight-British number ones and works alongside former Wimb

TOP British coach Alan Jones cast his eye over a class of tennis hopefuls last week and believes Saffron Walden's Colum Tremayne could be the next player to hit the big time.

Jones, who has coached eight-British number ones and works alongside former Wimbledon doubles' winner Jo Durie at the Hazelwood Tennis Club, likes what he sees from the 11-year-old who has been at the LTA-funded academy for a year.

Forget Andy Murray - here comes Tremayne and Jones is backing the boy from Saffron Walden County High School, to make the grade in the coming years.

"The key to developing tennis in this country is to work with young kids as the next Andy Murray will come from an academy like this," said Jones.

"Every one of these kids can have a big future and I see no reason why Colum can't break in to the national rankings within the next two or three years.

"The next Wimbledon champion will have been to school so it is important we give school kids the chance to play tennis - Colum has been given that chance and has the talent to take it."

Column is dedicated to his sport and is already eyeing a place alongside heroes Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on the ATP Tour.

"I play six days a week at the moment and I'm keen to do more," he said.

"My initial aspirations are to make the top 100, play in the Grand Slams and represent Great Britain in the Davis Cup.

"I went to watch Wimbledon and the Davis Cup this year, and that has really inspired me."

Colum's father, Guy, added: "Colum has been playing since he was four and he has gone from strength to strength over the years.

"Alan has been really helpful in taking him to the next level and it has been very good for him and me since we started coming.

"It has made such a big difference to the way Colum thinks about tennis and we are hoping to get him playing more and more tournaments soon.

"Everyone at Hazelwood has helped a significant amount on all aspects of Colum's game including fitness and athleticism, and if he can continue to improve then who knows what can happen."

For more information on the world's best players and the ATP tour, visit the website www.ATPtennis.com