REDDITCH tennis sensation Alex Maggs admits he has to pinch himself in amazement when he thinks about following in Andy Murray’s footsteps by strutting his stuff at Wimbledon.

As the likes of British No.1 Murray, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams show what they can do at this year’s Wimbledon, Maggs can rest safe in the knowledge that he too will soon follow suit.

The 13-year-old has long been known as one to watch for the future and was at it again as he claimed victory in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon Midlands Regional Qualifier at Billesley Tennis Centre in Birmingham.

Maggs, a member of HDA Redditch Tennis Club, will now play in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 and Under Challenge at the All England Club between August 10 and 15.

Murray made history at Wimbledon back in 2013 when he became the first British winner of the Grand Slam in 77 years, and Studley High School pupil Maggs admits he can’t wait to grace the hallowed turf.

“It’s a great feeling to qualify for Wimbledon – I can’t quite believe it,” said Maggs, who beat Harry Finney on a tie-break to book his spot at the famous SW19.

“I played really well, Harry pushed me all the way but I dug deep and managed to pull out the result.

“I’m looking forward to testing myself against the best in the country on the grass and it will be a fantastic experience and great for my development.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & under Challenge began in 2002 and is an All England Club junior event initiative supported by the LTA – it has now expanded into Asia with a pilot scheme run in India seeing events held in Delhi and Mumbai.

It is the largest junior tournament in the UK, involving some 850 clubs, parks and schools with youngsters bidding to reach the national final at the All England Club.

And former British No.1 Tim Henman is urging Maggs to make the most of his Wimbledon adventure.

“Congratulations to Alex on winning the HSBC Road to Wimbledon Regional Final, he now has a brilliant opportunity to play at Wimbledon in the National Finals,” Henman said.

“Hopefully this will help inspire Alex in his junior career and may even lead to him eventually playing at The Championships as a professional player.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & Under Challenge is the UK's largest national junior grass court tournament and forms part of HSBC’s investment in the stars of the future.