An up-and-coming young tennis player with strong links to Sutherland has taken home a top title after winning a tennis challenge final at Wimbledon.
Aberdeen teenager Caelan McKechnie (14) won the 14U boys’ singles category of the Play Your Way to Wimbledon competition.
The youngster is the son of Gordon and Michelle, who is originally from Scourie where her parents, and Caelan’s grandparents, Robert and Lorna MacInnes still live.
Caelan attends Cults Academy and is a member of Rubislaw Tennis Club. He is currently ranked number one boys under 14 in Scotland and number 9 in the UK.
Formerly known as the Road to Wimbledon, the competition aims to inspire the next generation of tennis talent by giving young players the chance to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and compete for a chance to play on Wimbledon’s iconic courts.
Launched in March, the 2024 event has been delivered by the LTA, the All England Lawn Tennis Club and Vodafone.
Thousands of players aged 14 and under and 18 and under took part in the qualifying stages, competing in a local event held at a local club, park or school.
The winners progressed through to county and regional finals in June and July and then to the national finals, which took place at Wimbledon’s Aorangi Courts from August 11-17.
This year’s tournament delivered over 10,000 playing opportunities across singles and doubles competitions in 800 venues.
Caelan, who took part in the competition last year, roared into the knockout stages, winning all three of his group matches. He then progressed through the eliminations draw, ultimately picking up the winners trophy without dropping a set.
