Youngster eyes seniors after Junior WImbledon exit

 HANNAH James defied the odds to reach Junior Wimbledon but now the rookie tennis star insists she is a dead cert to take the senior tour by storm.

The 18-year-old fell at the first hurdle at the All England Club when she ran into French Open finalist Daria Gavrilova and slipped to a 6-2, 6-2 defeat.

However, the former King Edward's School pupil thought her Wimbledon dream had vanished two months ago when a damaged wrist looked set to deny her the chance to compete at SW19.

But after making a full recovery, British number two junior, James, will now attempt to make the step up to the elite stage later this year.

"I didn't even think I'd be here so it is a magnificent achievement," said James. "I was out for about four weeks and didn't think I'd be able to play at the French or at Wimbledon and in the end I've done both.

"This is my final year as a junior so I'll go to the US Open in August and then move onto the senior tour. It'll be tough but I think I can do it."

James' Wimbledon got off to the worse possible start when world number 16 Gavrilova broke her serve in the very first game.

And the Russian took control of the match and wrapped up the victory in just 54 minutes.

"She was just too good," added James. "She was obviously full of confidence after doing so well at the French Open and she's a top player."

 Leading life assurance and pensions company AEGON is lead partner of British Tennis and is backing the sport at all levels, from grassroots to world class tennis events. For further information visit www.lta.org.uk