By Phil Jones

Orpington tennis starlet Isaac Jochim insisted he could still hold his head up high despite falling just short of a dream outing at Wimbledon.

Jochim had the chance to book himself a spot at the world-famous venue by competing in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon South East Regional Qualifier at The All England Club Community Tennis Ground in Raynes Park.

The 13-year-old was playing for a spot at August’s National Finals of the HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & Under Challenge at the All England Club, looking to walk away as overall champion of the tournament.

But, despite falling short of a memorable outing at the famous SW19 courts this time around, Parklangley Tennis Club’s Jochim is adamant we haven’t seen the last of him after losing out to Esah Hayat 0-6 2-6 in the second round.

“There is that dream to get to Wimbledon, it’s gone for now but I’ve enjoyed the experience and hopefully I can come back for another try next year,” he said.

“I thought I played pretty well, I don’t think it was really a 6-0, 6-2 defeat, it seemed a lot tighter than that.

“I’m not so pleased with the result but I’m happy with my performance, especially having won a first round match too.

“Ahead of the tournament I was just trying to get through my first match, I knew this one would be tough against Esah and it turned out that way.”

HSBC is the Official Banking Partner of The Championships and is committed to supporting grassroots tennis, helping to inspire the next generation of Wimbledon stars to take their tennis careers from the back garden to Centre Court through the HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & Under Challenge. @HSBC_sport.