Teenager Barney Fitzpatrick is ready to take on the challenge of the United States.

The 13-year-old Thongsbridge Tennis Club player is preparing for a trip to compete in the Orange Bowl tournament in Florida between December 10 and 22.

It is a big challenge for Fitzpatrick, who is currently ranked at 10 in Great Britain and 237 in Europe in his age group.

“My goal is to do well in America,” said Fitzpatrick, who is sponsored by SportsAid who have in the past backed the likes of Jessica Ennis-Hill.

“Then next year I will be looking to improve in the ‘Road To Wimbledon’ competition and hopefully I can ensure I am playing well enough to be picked for as many Great Britain events as possible.”

Fitzpatrick, who reached the last eight in last year’s ‘Road To Wimbledon’ series, is certainly in form with three strong showings in events this month.

Great Britain tennis player, Barney Fitzpatrick of Thongsbridge Tennis Club.

His first tournament was the Winter National (grade 2) in Bolton where he was runner-up, being beaten 7-6 (4) 7-6 (7) in the final by Harry Wendelken from Cambridge.

Fitzpatrick then was in action for Great Britain in their match against France at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.

He won both his matches as team GB won 20-17.

His most recent outing was in the Tennis Europe tournament also staged at Roehampton.

Having beaten the No1 seed 6-1 6-4 Fitzpatrick made it through to the quarter-finals where he was beaten 6-4 7-5 by France’s Arthur Cazaux.