Tennis wonder kid Panav Jha is settling in nicely with the Canadian team he joined earlier this month.
The Caymanian teenager was intending to go back to the Weil tennis academy in California until he got the $85,000 one-year scholarship from the Canadians.
They were so impressed with Jha’s ability they adopted the 15-year-old as one of their own and he has just started a one-year stint in Quebec at the world renowned Uniprix Stadium. The Canadians have a reputation for producing some of the finest juniors in the sport and Jha is benefiting enormously from the specialist training.
The former St Ignatius pupil flew off to Paris, France soon after he joined the Canadians. His mother
Manisha is thrilled that Panav has adapted so quickly.
She said: ‘He’s doing great. He’s really enjoying it but says the training is tough. They work hard all day, from 9am to 5pm. They’re based in Paris for three weeks playing in local tournaments and they’re so confident in him that they’ve put him in a men’s open tournament.’
Manisha believes the French have the best technique in the world. The Canadians have Monca-born Louis Borfiga who has guided some of France’s top young talent and used to coach the French Davis Cup side. Also overseeing Panav’s development is Bob Brett, one of the Canada officials who once coached Boris Becker. Both are enthralled with his development. Jha narrowly lost to Canada’s No.1 last month which must have convinced the Canadians he was worth capturing.
‘The French are good at improving whatever part of your game you’re lacking in,’ Manisha said. ‘The Canadians see Panav’s potential and he’s already become their star player. There are three coaches for only four boys. He says he’s happy and as a parent wanting the best for my child I couldn’t be happier. I feel he’s getting the best coaching in the world.’
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