THE Avenue Tennis Club’s coach, Craig Phillips, has spent the past month training in Spain in a top performance tennis academy run by Rafael Nadal’s former coach.

Phillips attended the Global Tennis Academy, run by Jofre Porta, and trained for six days a week.

Craig said: “The first week for me was a real challenge as it was the hardest I’ve ever been worked on court and off, but I also struggled a lot with the heat as most days it was around 30- 35°C on court – being from England we never get that type of weather!

“I remember the first training session I had I was on court with Jofre and his other coach, Pablo, and I was sick three times, but I loved it.”

“This was by far the best experience I’ve had in my life – I’m now back in England training at the Avenue Tennis Club five days a week.

Craig is hoping to kick on with his career and said: “The goal I’m working towards is to break into the top 1,000 in the world, so if any businesses would like to potentially sponsor me for travel costs, accommodation etc they can please get in touch with me on 07546-230727 or 01278-782758.”