Life for young athletes on the WTA and ATP tours can be tough, with extreme pressure for results on the court adding to the financial pressures off it.
British tennis fans have been fortunate enough to watch various young British players make their case at Wimbledon, including Oliver Tarvet, Mika Stojsavljevic and Arthur Fery.
Tarvet, a qualifier, has had the standout tournament so far. Ranked 719 in the world, Tarvet reached the second round of Wimbledon before losing to Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court.
However, tennis fans have been told to ‘keep an eye on’ another British talent emerging from the obscurity of tour-level tennis.
Jon Wertheim tells tennis fans to ‘keep an eye on’ Hannah Klugman
Hannah Klugman recently became the first British girl in almost 50 years to reach the French Open girls’ final, demonstrating her innate talent.
The star has been tipped for future success, and she may have secured her future off the court also, with Jon Wertheim telling tennis fans to keep an eye on Klugman for the future.
Speaking on The Tennis Channel Live Podcast, Wertheim said: “If they gave a prize to the player who had the shortest commute to come to Wimbledon, you would go to Hannah Klugman, a junior player in the main draw who lives right around there.
“She’s from Wimbledon village, 16 years old, doesn’t turn 17 until February.
“She has also become a hot commodity with agents, in part because of her backstory, in part because of her record in the juniors. She did get a wild card and play in the main draw of the women’s, lost to Leylah Fernandez, but now she is second seed in the girls. The agents have been pursuing her for years.
“It looks as though she’s siding with GSZ, the group that represents Tommy Paul and Sofia Kenin and Paula Badosa, among others, but Hannah Klugman, worth keeping an eye on the storyline of a top player who grew up just a few blocks up the street is one I’m sure we’re going to be following for years’
How has Hannah Klugman performed at Wimbledon so far?
Despite her impressive resume and talent, Klugman was unable to win her Wimbledon first round, losing to former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez 1-6 3-6.
The young Brit also lost in the women’s doubles first round. Klugman, who was partnered with compatriot Mika Stojsavljevic, lost 2-6 2-6 to Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova.
The 16-year-old has performed well in the girls’ singles tournament so far, beating Sol Ailin Larraya Guidi 6-4 6-0 in the first round. Klugman is set to play Anastasija Cvetkovic in the next round on Sunday.
Klugman and Stojsavljevic have also partnered up for the girls’ doubles. They are due to play their first match against Yoana Konstantinova and Laima Vladson on Tuesday.
