Perthshire tennis player Marcus McLaren setting sights high in the world of doubles

A smash hit tennis player from Perthshire is on a mission to become a prominent force in the world of doubles.

St Madoes-based Marcus McLaren is already no stranger to picking up titles on the national circuit but is hoping to take his talents to the Continent and beyond.

Marcus (17), a Strathallan School student and a familiar face at Kinnoull Tennis Club in Perth, has aspirations of serving up a treat in International Tennis Federation (ITF) events this year.

“In April I have the Grade 1 national championships,” Marcus said. “I am competing in singles and doubles, and players who progress can get Junior Wimbledon wildcards.

“Beyond this, one of my aims this year is to be selected for the North of Scotland men’s summer county team.

“I am also going to look to compete at futures level, which will be both in the UK and abroad with the hope of getting ITF points which will then get me into more events on a regular basis.”

Just getting to this point has required an abundance of hard work and Marcus still recalls his earliest memories in tennis playing with gran and grandad in the English town of Filey. Aged just five, he returned home to be introduced to weekly coaching sessions.

“I remember my first competition was at under-eight age group,” he reminisced. “And I’ve been competing ever since.

“My commitment and dedication throughout this time now sees me sit inside the top 20 in the UK with the majority of big tournaments down south.

“My tennis schedule has been based at Strathallan School and Stirling University and I have been involved in the Tennis Scotland national programme too.

“I’ve been playing junior international events all around the UK, men’s British tour events and national Grade 1 and 2 singles and doubles.