Rego picked for ITF team

Rising tennis star Christopher Rego intends to make the most of an opportunity to broaden his horizons in Central America.

The Chris Evert Tennis Academy student has been invited by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to compete in Central American and Caribbean Tennis Confederation (COTECC) Under-14 events there from February to March.

The tour is being financed by the ITF’s Grand Slam Development Fund.

Rego described it as a “big honour” to be given the opportunity to measure up against some of the region’s elite players.

He said: “It will benefit my tennis because I am training with some of the best coaches and players, playing a lot of match play, with different games throughout Central America. It means I will become more experienced.

“The tour will also allow me to earn points for the South American Tennis Confederation (COSAT) and COTECC region. They will give me a better placement in big worldwide tournaments like Eddie Herr and Orange Bowl.

Stellar year

“I am excited to get the opportunity to see how my tennis game compares against the players there.”

While in Central America Rego will compete in three tournaments, in Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador.

Carolina Vera Vera (Suriname) and Wilfredo Nestor Henry (Cuba) have been appointed as team coaches for the ITF Central American and Caribbean Junior Touring Team.  

Rego is the second Bermudian behind Tyler Smith to be chosen.

David Lambert, Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association president, said: “Tyler went last year and what this shows to the ITF is that there is some strong development going on in Bermuda, to have this opportunity awarded to our juniors again.”

Rego has enjoyed ­another stellar year in the sport, having claimed the Under-13 Boys’ Singles title at the Caribbean Development Championships, Curacao.

He also helped to defend Bermuda’s team title there.

Rego also reached the final at the Bahamas ITF and was invited to attend a training camp in Cuba.

“In 2011 I would like to keep improving my tennis and receive better results in some of the bigger tournaments,” said Rego.

“With the three tournaments (COTECC Under-14 circuit), I hope to produce good results there.

“My ultimate goal in tennis is to be among the top 150 on the ATP Tour and from there, to try and crack the top 50.

“I want to give everything I have with the opportunities my parents, school, BLTA and ITF have given me to reach those goals.”

Lambert said: “Chris, if he stays healthy and takes advantage of all the opportunities, should definitely be leaning towards going pro – and this is coming from the governing body of tennis.

“He has the potential, his work ethic is very strong, and so we hope he stays fit, focused and on course.”