A smash hit tennis player from Perthshire is on a mission to become a prominent force in the world of doubles.
St Madoes-based Marcus McLaren is already no stranger to picking up titles on the national circuit but is hoping to take his talents to the Continent and beyond.
Marcus (17), a Strathallan School student and a familiar face at Kinnoull Tennis Club in Perth, has aspirations of serving up a treat in International Tennis Federation (ITF) events this year.
“In April I have the Grade 1 national championships,” Marcus said. “I am competing in singles and doubles, and players who progress can get Junior Wimbledon wildcards.
“Beyond this, one of my aims this year is to be selected for the North of Scotland men’s summer county team.
“I am also going to look to compete at futures level, which will be both in the UK and abroad with the hope of getting ITF points which will then get me into more events on a regular basis.”
Just getting to this point has required an abundance of hard work and Marcus still recalls his earliest memories in tennis playing with gran and grandad in the English town of Filey. Aged just five, he returned home to be introduced to weekly coaching sessions.
“I remember my first competition was at under-eight age group,” he reminisced. “And I’ve been competing ever since.
“My commitment and dedication throughout this time now sees me sit inside the top 20 in the UK with the majority of big tournaments down south.
“My tennis schedule has been based at Strathallan School and Stirling University and I have been involved in the Tennis Scotland national programme too.
“I’ve been playing junior international events all around the UK, men’s British tour events and national Grade 1 and 2 singles and doubles. This exposure to top level tennis has challenged me and helped me become a better player.
“Playing different opponents who bring different game styles has also made me adapt to each match and I have added variety to my game. My doubles has developed significantly over the last couple of years and I’ve had success at Grade 2 national level and in men’s doubles events in Scotland.”
Receiving coaching and guidance from coach Tommy Ogilvie at Perthshire’s Strathallan School has, Marcus says, undoubtedly played a key role in his rise.
Marcus explained: “I have been at Strathallan for nine years and being able to combine my tennis development alongside my academics has really helped me. The school has been very flexible with me to fit my training in, alongside competing across the UK.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work with Tommy during this period. Tommy played to a very good standard so understands my needs. Having that guidance has been very helpful.”
As the spring and summer season nears, dreams of competing further afield – and impressing – become ever more prevalent. That does, however, come at a cost and Marcus is on the lookout for any sponsors who would be willing to help him on his journey.
“The next step for me is to secure sponsorship and financial help,” said Marcus, who is already grateful for the support of Drew Bradley of The Ventilation Experts.
“This would allow me to travel more, compete in more events and hopefully push my ranking high enough so that I can get into bigger events in the future.
“Initially my earnings would be very low and my cost would be very high.
“I would therefore be very grateful for any support from local businesses who would support me in trying to achieve my goal as a top 100 ATP doubles player.”
If interested in sponsoring Marcus, email smclaren197200@gmail.com
