Coaches across the U.K. "have probably been
neglected" and funding may have encouraged a sense of entitlement among
up and coming British players, according to Russell Fuller of the BBC. Those "are the initial thoughts" of Lawn Tennis Association Dir of Player Development BOB BRETT, who "is now charged with developing more than
just a trickle of top 100 British players." The 61-year-old Australian -- who formally started work at the LTA in September -- "demands hard
work and punctuality from his players and staff." He believes it is "far
better to be early than simply on time, and woe betide anyone who leaves
balls on the court after a session has finished."
Four-time Wimbledon semifinalist TIM HENMAN said, "Bob's old school and right now that's what the game needs in this
country." Brett's challenge "is to foster a structure which
identifies talented children, and then provides the best environment for
them to succeed." Part of the solution "may well be more carefully
targeted funding." Brett said, "Funding is always a questionable aspect of development" (BBC, 11/13).
