FORMER World No 4 Tim Henman has backed Long Wittenham’s Alexis Canter to make strides in the men’s game.

The 19-year-old is still searching for his first Futures title on the ITF Pro Circuit, but is now a career-high 1,296 in the rankings.

Former British No 1 Henman, who lives in Aston Tirrold near Didcot, has practised with the teenager on a number of occasions.

The six-time Grand Slam semi-finalist believes Canter, who lost in qualifying in the Ramat Gan Futures event in Israel earlier this week, has the potential to be a success.

Henman said: “Alexis has got a good game and he’s got to learn how to win because that’s what it’s about.

“It’s a difficult journey, but hopefully he can keep working at it and keep improving.”