PERSHORE Tennis Centre head coach Richard Crabtree has launched a scathing attack on recent comments about the state of the sport in Britain.

In the wake of yet another poor showing from the Brits at Wimbledon, Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski and Judy Murray all criticised different aspects of the game in this country.

Henman described British tennis as "too accepting of mediocrity", while Rusedksi said he felt not enough work was being done to encourage school children to take up the sport.

Finally, Murray - the mother of British number one Andy Murray - attacked the state of coaching in the UK.

All of these comments from high-profile people in and around the game have incensed Crabtree and he has spoken out to set the record straight.

He said: "Our current level of under 16 tennis players who train for the county are as dedicated and determined to succeed as any within the country.

"Training up to 16 hours a week, not including tournaments and fitness work, means that we have a number of players ready to step up to top national level with a desire to go on to international level."

In response to Rusedski's comments, Crabtree added: "Pershore Tennis Centre wrote to all local schools offering free initial coaching sessions if children could be bused to the centre.

"The small number of schools who took up this offer love the sport, but there remain so many others unable to take up our offer.

"While looking for the stars of tomorrow, we are also committed to teaching children to participate in more physical activity rather than just complaining about how little exercise they regularly do."

The head coach also said: "By being part of a team we praise success, progression and hard work.

"We want to produce individuals with a burning desire to win and not to be frightened by the prospect of hard work to achieve this."

In a bid to further improve, the centre is interviewing for a coach to develop the link between the sport and local schools.

Crabtree emphasised that Pershore is actively doing what the English tennis stars are recommending.

That is being encouraging and supportive and teaching not only tennis skills, but the desire and fight to win.

The commitment and belief shown by Pershore's young tennis players is mirrored by the support of their parents.

Crabtree added: "We believe that success, and therefore enjoyment and physical activity can be achieved through tennis.

"At Pershore, we are confident we will be able to discover and nurture the winners of the future.

"All this has been achieved within a single year with the support and encouragement of the LTA.

"So, we extend an open invitation to Tim, Greg or Judy to visit the centre and see what Worcestershire has in store for the future of British tennis."