In addition to practising with one of the world’s most famous players, Hoyt also made his Wimbledon debut in the junior event. “I was given a wildcard for Wimbledon because of my performances during the year.”
He battled with nerves to come through his fi rst match against Spain’s Axe Alvarez Llamas. “The warm up was fi ne but when I came out to serve I could hardly move my feet. I was so nervous, within a few minutes I had lost my fi rst service game to love and was 2-0 down. I managed to hit a few big returns and I was on the scoreboard.”
Evan came through that match 6-3 6-4. He then pushed the number 8 seed, Croatian Mate Pavic to a tie break fi rst set before losing the match 7-6 6-2.
“It was a great feeling to win a match at Wimbledon. I’m planning on bettering that next year though,” he added.
Hoyt’s tennis journey started as a 4-year- old. “I started playing at Llanelli tennis club at Stradey Park. It was fun. I played in group sessions with my friends and it was more social than serious.”
“I loved playing rugby - I represented West Wales under 12s at outside centre. I really miss rugby, but I always knew I was a better tennis player than rugby player.”
Hoyt’s form has gone from strength to strength since Wimbledon. He has played in tournaments as far afi eld as Mexico and Korea. Mexico is where Hoyt’s biggest career achievement to date came, helping Great Britain to win the Junior
Davis Cup. Evan was part of a three-man Great Britain team who overcame Italy to capture the trophy, regarded by many as the biggest international team event. Evan’s non-playing captain was former world number four Greg Rusedski. “Greg is great, he’s so positive on court. The only time he isn’t, is when the umpire makes a bad call!”
Like most of the nation, Evan found himself caught up in the excitement of Wales’ progress in the recent Rugby World Cup.
“I was competing in Japan when Wales played their semi-fi nal. My mum was constantly texting me to keep me informed of the score. I was absolutely gutted when at the end of the game she texted to say Wales had lost. But at least I’ve got a few bragging rights over
tennis
Issue19twothousand&twelve sportingwales
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