Tennis star Findel-Hawkins achieves first world ranking

The F5 Futures tournament is run by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and offers a colossal $10,000 total prize money. 32 players from around Europe travelled to the Cardiff Health & Racquets Club to compete in the event which is the first step into international tennis.

Jack, who received a wildcard entry, needed to win just one match to gain the prestigious placing, which is expected to be around 1500th in the world.

The Exeter Tennis Centre performance player stormed the first round beating Austrian Bastian Trinker (ranked 690) in straight sets; 7-5, 6-3. He then went on to overcome the seventh seed Neil Pauffley who is ranked 454 in the world 6-1, 6-0, before being knocked out in the quarter finals by Richard Gabb (ranked 759).

Jack also made it to the semi-finals of the doubles competition alongside Hampshire’s Alex Gasson and said: “It’s brilliant to get my first world ranking points, especially as I’ve only been playing on the men’s international tour for a couple of months. I’m really pleased, there was a lot of pressure going into the first round but to have come through it is really good.”

The 18 year old and full time Exmouth Community College Student hopes to pursue a professional tennis career and is looking to follow fellow Exeter Tennis Centre graduate Howard Scott to America.

He said: “They have a really good set up at Exeter Tennis Centre, the coaches are great and there are a lot of good guys to hit with – the support is really helpful. It’s tough juggling college with tennis, but it’s important to have an education. I’d like to become a pro and I think if I spend four years in America, working hard and training every day I will be able to achieve this.”

Jack is part of Exeter Tennis Centre’s high performance programme, receiving dedicated coaching and support. Director of Tennis Will McNally commented: “This is an outstanding achievement for Jack. To gain a world ranking is absolutely fantastic and I am delighted with his progress. Jack has shown that he can compete with the top players in the world and is making real ripples in the tennis circuit.”

Jack is now looking build on this result at the next Futures tournament in Shrewsbury on the 4 March.