So, once again we are left virtually Brit-less at Wimbledon.

Could one of the reasons be the elitism and snobbery of tennis? A few years ago, I decided, as part of a keep fit campaign, to join a tennis club. It was not a pleasant experience. It was very cliquey and not particularly welcoming, I was asked endlessly what I did as a job - and being a teacher didn´t seem to quite cut it socially!!

It was compulsory to wear white at all times and eyes were cast up and down your tennis gear appraising, presumably, approximate cost!!

I atopped going after a couple of months, it was evident that what was important was not sport but social connections. So imagine a kid - excellent athleticism, excellent hand/eye coordination, agile and fit - the ideal tennis player - but woe betide that same kid if they don´t come from the "right" background!!

I believe that you are correct that part of the problem is due to the apparent elitism amongst the tennis set and as a nation causing the UK to fail at producing any top flight tennis players. Furthermore the LTA has surely got take responsibility as the governing body!

As a matter of interest where in the country did you receive your negative experience attempting to play tennis? The club I play at is totally the opposite to your unfortunate experience, along with the clubs that we regularly visit and play against.

Interestingly, as a sport tennis is one of the best family orientated and most sociable sports available to all age groups from 3 to 93. If you happen to reside in the London/South East part of England hopefully I could suggest some friendly clubs that would welcome you with open arms! 

Dont give up easily, once amongst the majority of tennis people im sure you will experience a more pleasant crowd.