CROWTHORNE tennis starlet Daniel Webb admits he is pinching himself as he prepares to follow in Andy Murray’s footsteps and star at Wimbledon.

As the likes of British No.1 Murray, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams gear up for this month’s Wimbledon assault, Webb can rest safe in the knowledge that he also has a spot booked at the world-famous venue.

The 14-year-old home-schooled pupil has long been known as one to watch for the future, and he was at it again on Sunday as he claimed victory at the HSBC Road to Wimbledon East Regional Qualifier at Gosling Sports Park in Welwyn Garden City.

Webb, who trains at the Berkshire Health and Racquet Club, will now play in the National Finals of the HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & Under Challenge at the All England Club between August 8 and 13, where he will be looking to walk away as overall champion of the tournament.

Webb, who beat Dylan Smith 6-3 7-5 in his final qualifying match, beamed: “It feels good to have got through, it is such a nice place so hopefully I can win a few matches there.

“I didn’t play well in the first round, but I got through, so there is more to come. My second match was better, but I need to improve for Wimbledon.

“I have had a few tough matches so it was important to get through it. I’m raring to go at Wimbledon.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & Under Challenge, the UK’s largest grass court tournament, is part of HSBC’s investment in grassroots tennis.

Each year over 10,000 youngsters take part in the series of national tennis tournaments, helping to inspire the next generation of Wimbledon stars.

HSBC ambassador and former Scottish international Judy Murray was impressed with what she saw from the crop of 2016.

“This programme is a very big part of the British tennis calendar and youngsters recognise the HSBC Road to Wimbledon as a tournament that offers a prize to play at Wimbledon. This prize is a real incentive to enter and do their very best to make it to the final stage.

“Going along and receiving coaching on how to hit the ball properly is one thing but competitive opportunities at a young age need to be fun and stimulating.

“In my opinion it doesn’t get more stimulating than the ultimate prize of being able to play at Wimbledon.”

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.