Tennis ace vows to bounce back

DANIEL SMETHURST

LOCAL teenage tennis star Daniel Smethurst has vowed to take his punishment and bounce back a better player after a late night out marred his playing achievements at Wimbledon.

The 17-year-old from Failsworth has been sent home from the National Tennis Centre at Roehampton for alleged unprofessional conduct the night before his last 16 match in the boys doubles which he and playing partner Daniel Evans lost.

Daniel, who is ranked number two in Great Britain and 38 in the world junior rankings, is to be disciplined by the Lawn Tennis Association along with Evans who also broke the curfew.

But Daniel’s father Nigel believes the stories about his son’s escapades have been sensationalised.

He explained: “It was nowhere near as late as has been mentioned as Daniel was out until 12.30am and he was not drinking as he doesn’t touch alcohol and is well disciplined.

“Daniel knew that because of the scheduling he wouldn’t be playing early the next day. As it was he wasn’t on court until 6pm.

“He met a group of lads, who are no longer playing tennis but who were working at Wimbledon, and decided to go out with them.It was not planned in advance, but it was a silly thing to do the night before a game and Daniel accepts he has let himself down. He will take his punishment and move on.”

Nigel pointed out that Daniel has lived away from home since the age of 13 and never previously put a foot out of place, something the LTA are aware of.

He also added he is unhappy how the matter has leaked out from the LTA saying he intends to raise the matter with them.

“Daniel is still a minor so this ought not have been made public. He has not committed a criminal offence and only done what many other young lads do, he declared.”

The LTA has issued a statement which read: “We are aware of an incident that took place during the Wimbledon championships.

“Two junior players have been sent home from the National Tennis Centre. We will inform them about the further disciplinary action that will be taken next place.”