East tennis is again celebrating confirmation of a player of truly exciting potential after 15-year-old Matthew Rankin was named “Junior Player of the Year” in the annual Tennis Scotland awards.
Matthew, who was introduced to the sport aged four at the Meadows public courts in Edinburgh, said it was “a big honour” to have gained the accolade which follows similar recognition for family friend Jacob Fearnley in the last couple of years.
Now Matthew aims to follow Jacob in being accepted for junior grand slam events as a stepping stone towards his eventual goal of a place on the ATP senior tour.
The GB National Tennis Academy (Stirling) member is in no doubt, though, about the hard work that lies ahead but quality support from Tennis Scotland, sportscotland and coaches including Leo Azevedo, Colin Fleming, David Brewer, Nathan Lundy, Ross Murdoch, Mhairi Beattie and, right at the beginning of his journey, Alex Harkins, have set him on the right track.
So much so that Matthew has already started to broaden his horizons with tennis trips to the Orange Bowl tournament in Miami where he reached the last 64 from an entry of over 700 and, as part of Great Britain age-group squads, the European Youth Olympics in Azerbaijan, the Winter Cup in the Netherlands and ITF events in Italy and Norway.
In the under-16 Winter Cup in February Matthew played lead singles and won against Lithuanian and Romanian opponents.
He has also had doubles success in Italy and Norway partnering Londoner Sam Reeve in the weeks leading up to the lockdown.
However, it is the European Youth Olympics that stand out as a highlight so far.
“It was the greatest experience of my life” says former Buckstone Primary School and Merchiston Castle School pupil Matthew, who now boards at Dollar Academy to be near his Stirling base.
“Meeting athletes from different countries, including gymnasts and swimmers, enabled me to learn more about their (sporting) backgrounds and the intensity they bring to training.
“My ultimate ambition is to be an ATP top 50 player and it is a big help knowing that Andy and Jamie Murray have made it to the very top from a similar background to me.
“I regard them both as my role models.”
Indeed, just as Andy Murray had to choose between football and tennis Matthew has faced a similar decision having been attached to the prolific Hutchison Vale Football Club in Edinburgh before deciding he had to concentrate on tennis.
Other rewards include a place last year at the Brodies Tennis Invitational where he received advice from former world No 4 and Wimbledon semi-finalist, Tim Henman.
Of course, during the lockdown imposed by the coronavirus pandemic right-hander Matthew has had to adapt his practice routines but is determined to emerge fit and ready to resume his career whenever government advice allows.
“Fitness coach Sean Tough has prepared endurance sessions which I undertake and we have even built a gym in the living room” says Matthew at the family home in Fairmilehead, Edinburgh, not far from the Colinton club where he is also a member.
Matthew will receive his Tennis Scotland award at a later date and all winners go forward to be considered for the LTA Tennis Awards national shortlist.
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland chief executive, said: “Each year, the Tennis Scotland Awards give us the chance to recognise the incredible achievements of individuals, clubs, teams, tournaments and programmes across the country.
“We were truly overwhelmed by the quality of nominations we received so each and every winner should be very proud of their achievement, as should everyone who was shortlisted for an award.
“They are the driving force behind our sport and it’s important that we take the time to acknowledge their contributions to tennis in Scotland.”
Matthew Rankin’s 2019 Achievements.
Winner - Grade 1 14U Winter National Tour Finals
Division Winners - 18U County Cup (East of Scotland)
Winner - Grade 2 - 16U Sutton Easter Open (Singles)
Finalist - Grade 2 - 16U Sutton Easter Open (Doubles)
Winner - Grade 2 - Notts Junior Open supported by Porsche (Singles)
Finalist - Grade 2 - Notts Junior Open supported by Porsche (Doubles)
Winner - Grade 2 - 18U Gosling Junior National Tour (Singles)
Winner - Grade 2- 16U Gosling Junior National Tour (Doubles)
Scottish Schools Champions (Year 9&10) - (Merchiston Castle School)
Semi Finalist - ITF Ireland (Singles) gaining 1st ITF world ranking points
Winners - UK National Schools Finals - Glanville Cup (Merchiston Castle School)
Represented Team GB at European Youth Olympics in Azerbaijan
Accepted into the GB National Tennis Academy
Winner - Grade 1 - 16U Junior National Tennis Championships (Doubles)
Represented Scotland at the Four Nations Championships in Wales
Finalist - ITF Italy (Doubles)
Finalist - ITF Norway (Doubles)