MORETON tennis starlet Ben Leeman admits watching this year's Wimbledon is made all the more difficult after he fell just short of strutting his stuff at the world famous venue.

As the likes of British No.1 Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams show what they can do at this year’s Wimbledon, Leeman had the chance to follow suit as he competed in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon Northern Regional Qualifier at the Ilkley Tennis Club in Yorkshire.

The 14-year-old – who trains at Campion Tennis Club in Liverpool – was playing for a spot at August’s HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & Under Challenge at the All England Club.

But, despite falling short of a memorable outing at the famous SW19 courts this time around, St Mary’s College pupil Leeman is adamant we haven’t seen the last of him after losing out to eventual finalist Johannes Monday 6-4 6-3 in the first round.

He said: "It was a good match to play in and I enjoyed it. Even though I didn’t play my best tennis there were some good rallies and it was an enjoyable contest.

"I think this is a great competition and the occasion makes you play better. Tournaments like this don’t come around often and it's really inspiring.

"I want to do as many of these kinds of tournaments as I can as they do make you better, playing against different kinds of players and styles.

"Getting the opportunity to play to go to Wimbledon is amazing too. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and everyone here is fighting hard for it.

"It makes you up your game, and I’d like to keep getting better and maybe be a professional one day, although it will be tough with so many good players around.

"But if I keep working hard it may be possible I suppose. My favourite player is Gilles Simon, because of his physique and style, I'd love to play like him."

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & under Challenge began in 2002 and is the largest junior tournament in the UK, involving some 850 clubs, parks and schools with youngsters bidding to reach the national final at the All England Club.

And, although Leeman failed to advance to Wimbledon, former British No.1 Tim Henman believes he is still very much one to watch out for in the future.

“Players are always disappointed when they miss out on qualifying for the HSBC Road to Wimbledon National Final and a chance to play on the grass courts at Wimbledon,” said Henman.

“Hopefully Ben will be spurred on to greater achievements in his junior career, and who knows maybe even to play at The Championships as a professional player in the future.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & Under Challenge is the UK's largest national junior grass court tournament and forms part of HSBC’s investment in the stars of the future.