Inspiration
Tennis is a sport that many people across the country enjoy to watch and play. This is no different for East London Scholar, Alex Smith.
The 19-year-old took up Tennis from the age of four. He initially wanted to join a football team, but was not old enough at the time. However, as he got older, he managed to balance playing football and tennis for years.
One aspect of sports is inspirational figures who inspire kids to take up sports. For Smith, his inspiration has been Andy Murray and seeing the Brit win Wimbledon twice and two Olympic Gold medals has only been an extra motive.
Follow The Path
The determination shown by Murray over the years to become one of the best players in the world is what motivates Frank Smith to become a successful tennis player.
He said: “I Started at 4-years-old, started competing from about aged seven in junior tennis, that age group was called mini red at the time.
“I then progressed through juniors competing regularly and now in university level tennis.
“I have represented my university, school, tennis club, London borough.
The Scholar is currently being coached by a former professional, Andrew Foster and David Gaves who knew Smith before joining UEL as they offered him a scholarship.
He said: “I was a player at the club UEL do their training at so the coaches knew me for many years before I joined UEL.
“So they offered me a scholarship when they heard I was going to study at UEL”, he said.
This Season
The 2021 season has been difficult for the youngster as the pandemic and the closure of the tennis facilities has meant that he has been unable to practice his game and keep fit throughout this time.
With the 2021 season also being cancelled, it also meant that all competitive and friendly games would not go ahead.
Smith said: “In 2021 I have barely hit a tennis ball. I have been trying to stay fit but all tennis facilities are shut so I have nowhere to play.
“It’s been tough because I have not been able to train much or compete and with gyms shut it makes it harder to stay fit.
“As we’ve been in and out of lockdown for a year as you begin to feel not rusty another lockdown happens, it’s frustrating.”
Frank Smith has previously won a regional tournament in the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and feels that he is making good progressions since joining the UEL tennis team.
Train
The 19-year-old has been able to train to a high standard and has good coaches that are helping him improve along the way. Most of his teammates are older, have more experience and are better players, but this doesn’t bother Smith.
He said: “Some of my teammates have even played on the international stage before, so this helps me improve and learn from them.
“At the moment it is to start training again with the UEL team and hopefully fight for my place in the starting team for next season, we haven’t had any competitive matches in over a year now.
“I hope to be competing over the summer and next academic year.”
With the easing of restrictions across the country, we may start seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. For Smith, this is good news as it means he will be able to resume training and play some friendly matches to pick up form for the upcoming season ahead.
