Parmar backs LTA to unlock new talent

Arvind Parmar is backing the Lawn Tennis Association's impressive roster of new coaches to finally unlock the secret of turning more world-class youngsters into champions.

Parmar, who retired this week after 10 years as a professional, has seen Britain produce several top-class teenagers who, for various reasons, failed to make the most of their potential.

The LTA's chief executive Roger Draper, has assembled a team of respected coaches including former Great Britain Davis Cup captain Paul Hutchins, and Pete Sampras's former coach Paul Annacone, who have responsibility for the men's players.

On the women's side, Carl Maes and Nigel Sears - former coaches of Kim Clijsters and Daniela Hantuchova respectively - head up the division.

"Roger Draper has brought in world-class coaches and now we have to use them in the right way," Parmar, 28, said. "We mustn't neglect our better players, but the priority has to be our younger kids. Over the years I've seen good kids come and go.

"We've never struggled to produce world-class juniors but they haven't seemed to have been able to push through into the higher ranks of professional tennis.