Miles Kasiri remains determined to prove Britain can produce Wimbledon
champions after admitting other countries are hungrier for Grand Slam success.
The 18-year-old from Margate, who was a year ahead of new women's champion
Maria Sharapova at the famous Nick Bollettieri tennis academy in Florida, became
the first Briton to reach final of the boys' singles at the All England Club for
32 years.
However, despite pushing number one seed Gael Monfils close in both sets, he
went down 7-5 7-6 (8/6) to the 6ft 3ins French teenager, who remains on course
for a clean sweep of this year's junior Grand Slams.
The Lawn Tennis Association have conceded it will take a massive influx of
public money to help improve the sport's infrastructure across Britain.
Kasiri, who spent most of his teenage years away from home in a bid to make it
to the top of the game, has previously admitted he was pushed harder during his
time in America then when training in Britain.
And the youngster feels there is something in the psyche of certain other
nations' players which makes them more determined to succeed.
"Maybe some other countries, especially the poorer countries, they're working
a lot harder," he said.
"They have been through tough situations. They want it more. They've worked
harder for it, they're more determined for it."
Kasiri will, though, be encouraged by his performance at Wimbledon this year
He has helped lift some of the gloom surrounding the state of the British game
after Tim Henman's quarter-final exit and with, with more luck in the final,
could have become the first home winner since Stanley Matthews, son of Sir
Stanley, lifted the trophy 42 years ago.
"I'm very disappointed that I lost. I think I played well," he said.
"I had a lot of chances and it was so close. I could have won the match 7-5
7-6 if only I had won two extra points.
"I'm disappointed I lost, but also happy on getting to the final."
He added: "It gives me confidence because he hasn't lost a match this year
and is a very good player.
"I had a lot of chances against him and it was a very close match. If I
played him again, I would have confidence I could beat him.
"It gives me confidence I am on the right track, but also I have a lot of
work to do before I can think about coming back here and having a chance against
the pros because it is such a big step.
"I've got a lot of improvements to make and keep working hard.
"I want to be playing here in the real thing. I don't want to have to rely on
wildcards - I need to do it by myself."
Jeremy Bates, head of performance at the Lawn Tennis Association and Britain's
Davis Cup captain, watched Kasiri's match on court three this afternoon.
And Bates, the former British men's number one, believes the future is
bright.
"It has been a phenomenal week for Miles," he said. "His success is a
testament to the hard work and effort put in by Miles and his coach, Colin
Beecher, in the last year.
"This is a great stepping stone for him into the senior ranks and now the
really hard work starts."
WIMBLEDON NEWS
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