11-year-old Theo Purkis is continuing his determined journey to become one of Britain’s top tennis players. Theo, who lives at the Lea, Ross-on-Wye, with his parents, Michelle and Mark, will be travelling to France to represent Great Britain on January 18th. He will be travelling with his coach and three team mates to play against the top French boys. The games will take place over three days in a similar format to the Davis Cup.

Chris Davis, who has coached Theo since he started playing tennis when he was five, is very proud of his pupil. He said:“This is an unbelievable achievement.” He added that Theo has remained very level-headed despite his huge success. Theo said that he is very proud and delighted to have been chosen to represent his country again.

While the good news about this was still sinking in Theo heard that he had been awarded a wild card for another competition on Thursday. He will be taking part in a category one competition against 14-year-old players who are the best in Europe. Despite being three years younger, Theo is looking forward to the opportunity. He told the Ross Gazette: “I can’t wait to play, its going to be tough but I will enjoy it.”

Theo is very grateful to his coaches, Mark Willis and Steve Worsley at East Gloucester Tennis Club in Cheltenham and the National team at Roehampton LTA.

Michelle is also full of praise for Monmouth Boys School which has been very supportive. Theo said that he is very grateful to Dr Daniel, the Headmaster for allowing and supporting his tennis.

Michelle told the Gazette that Theo is naturally gifted, he is very academic as well as being good at tennis and he also enjoys playing the piano, he is already working for his Grade 7.

Michelle told the Gazette that she was quite sporty and her husband is very bright but Theo really takes after his namesake, Mark’s Uncle Theodore who Michelle described as ‘really clever.’ But she said that it is also really important that Theo stays balanced and grounded.