Junior titles for Arthur and US-bound Lance

Lance Nisbet, a captain at the Merchiston Castle tennis academy with strong links to the Blackhall Club, gave himself a boost going into a year in which he will join the American collegiate system by winning the Scottish junior indoor under-18 title at Scotstoun.

In another East of Scotland triumph Arthur McKinlay took the under-12 title back to the David Lloyd Club, Newhaven with a victory over Oran McBride.

Lance, who defeated Thomas Dixon in the final, is due to join Tennessee University where the associate Head Coach is East of Scotland county player, James McKie.

Lance’s impending move for ’24-25 has been announced in a Tennessee University publication which states:

“The Edinburgh, Scotland, native ranks inside the top 20 amongst 17-year-olds in the United Kingdom and currently serves as a tennis captain at Merchiston Tennis Academy. 
 
“Nisbet won the under-18 Indoor Junior Scottish Championship singles title in 2022 at age 16 and is a two-time under-18 Scottish Schools Cup champion. He was also a National Schools runner-up in the 13s, 15s and 18s age categories.
 
“In doubles play, Nisbet secured an ITF Junior title in 2023 and won the crown at the U16 National Tour in 2022.”

James McKie added:
 
“I am thrilled Lance will be joining our team.

“I have personally known the Nisbet family for a long time growing up in Scotland. I know he will improve tremendously in our program and value what we believe in. It’s also great to have another player come to Tennessee from the Merchiston Tennis Academy in Edinburgh who do a fantastic job in the development of their students.”

Other Edinburgh-raised players currently in the US college system include Jacob Fearnley who attends Texas Christian University and Matt Rankin (University of Kentucky).