Hucknall's Freya Christie calls for UK Pro Series to be regular feature in tennis calendar

The Hucknall star competed at the inaugural event at St. George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club and finished tenth, losing against Emily Arbuthnott in her final match after a mixed week in Weybridge.

Widely-billed the Premier League of British tennis, the competition has provided a valuable opportunity for players to earn regular income and get match practice after lockdown.

Christie has relished taking part and says if the format was expanded in next year’s schedule, she’d be the first to put her name down.

“I’d definitely like to see the tournament expanded - I think a lot of people would be interested if it happened again next year,” the 22-year-old said.

"I’m sure they’ll get a lot of people signing up because I don’t think anyone’s got a bad word to say about this tournament.

“I’m sure if it’s on next year, I’ll definitely be wanting to play and I’m looking forward to it.

“Everyone’s joking around and it’s quite fun - you can watch other people’s matches and everyone’s getting involved, so it’s a nice feel and everyone’s very friendly, so it’s a good vibe.

“I gave her [Arbuthnott] too many loose and cheap points that probably cost me today.

“I’m quite tired and everyone’s probably pretty fatigued, but it’s mixed emotions - I’m sad that it’s ended but also excited we can all get a rest!”

Christie was one of 24 leading players competing in the widely-billed Premier League of tennis, playing alongside the likes of Naomi Broady and Eden Silva in the women’s draw and James Ward and Liam Broady in the men’s.

The innovative format was devised by Andy Murray’s coach, Jamie Delgado, with players on Classic Week being split into two boxes of six ahead of finals weekend.

Christie finished fifth in her pool and then faced Nadia Rawson on Saturday, winning that match but then falling short against Arbuthnott in a decider.

The prodigy was heading straight back to Nottingham and says the money earned will provide a valuable springboard for the rest of her career.

“Once the ITF Tour starts running again I’ll be able to use this money that I’ve earned over the last few weeks to get me to tournaments, which is great,” she added.

“It’s vital because without it we’re not able to travel, so it’s a really great help and it really does help our careers.

“I’m looking forward to going home and it will just be a complete rest for a week, and then pick things up back at training after that.

“I’ve played a lot of matches so it will be great to get back out on the tour again, but when that’s going to be possible I’m not sure. I’m just going to have to keep an eye on it.”

Twelve of the UK’s top women and men qualified through the UK Pro Series for the UK Pro Classic - widely billed as the Premier League of Tennis. For more information, visit www.ukproseries.com