The summer tennis camp held on Christ Church's immaculate grass courts on Iffley Road has smashed another record.

For the first time the number of players attending the Jonathan Markson Tennis Camp will pass 1,000.

The camp, held in the city held over eight weeks every summer, is now recognised as one of the biggest tennis schools in Europe.

A team of international coaches, including players from Spain, South Africa and Germany, is this year being led by former Scottish international Martin Kilday, 46, who formerly coached the young Andy Murray.

Jonathan Markson is a former Oxford University tennis coach who masterminded ten wins in 12 years over Cambridge.

He said the economic downturn had not deterred people from wanting to play on some of Oxford's most attractive courts, including those of Magdalen College School.

The strength of the euro against the pound has also boosted attendances, with special rates for local players.

He is now seeking to replicate its success in Oxford over 25 years, in Yorkshire, on the grounds of Giggleswick School.

Markson, who read law at Oxford, said he was saddened by the current state of Oxford University tennis, fearing the university was playing the price for the increasing dominance of "nerdish students."

In the last five years, Oxford men have won only once. They lost this summer's Varsity match 15-6.

He said: "Unless Oxford University becomes more of a sports university where sporting prowess helps determine if people are accepted, it simply comes down to needing good fortune."