Latest news with #TomasEtcheverry
The Independent
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Wimbledon prize money ‘peanuts' in the tennis world
British rookie Jack Pinnington Jones plans to use his 'peanuts' Wimbledon prize money to kickstart his dream of becoming a grand slam regular. The 22-year-old debutant – a close friend of British number one Jack Draper – made the most of his SW19 wild card by beating Tomas Etcheverry in his opening match before going down in straights sets to 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli in round two. Pinnington Jones pocketed £99,000 for an impressive impact at his maiden major tournament – a small sum in professional tennis but one which could prove pivotal for his fledgling career. Away from the glamour of the Championships, the world number 281 is back living with his parents and three younger sisters in the Surrey village of Cobham after opting not to complete the final year of his studies at Texas Christian University. 'I'm in it for the long haul – if I can get to grand slam main draws, that's what I want for my life,' said Pinnington Jones. 'I'm ready to stick it out and go through ups and down in my career that I know are going to come my way. 'It's a weight off my back knowing that I can fund my tennis myself without going through my parents. That's huge to me. 'I'm looking at it as an investment. It's peanuts to what tennis players can make. 'I want to be a top 100 tennis player in the world. I want to try and maximise my potential. Hopefully it will pay off in the long run.' Pinnington Jones intends to use his windfall to invest in a personal trainer, book his coach and a travelling physio for certain weeks of the tennis calendar and, potentially, move into his own home. He was guaranteed £66,000 for being in the main draw before adding an additional £33,000 thanks to Tuesday's statement straight-sets win over 2023 French Open quarter-finalist Etcheverry. Thursday's Court 18 meeting with world number 24 Cobolli proved a step too far, albeit Pinnington Jones squandered a set point in the second-set tie-break. He will play golf and celebrate with family and friends in the coming days before returning to action in next week's Nottingham Challenger event with the aim of securing a qualifying place for the US Open. 'I'm very proud of myself in how I've handled the whole experience,' said Pinnington Jones, who has no regrets about prematurely ending his education. 'Today it's invaluable for me to play such a good player and see the clear things in my game that I need to work on if I want any chance of getting my ranking up and actually earn my place here (without a wild card). 'Obviously I'm nowhere near where I want to be, so it's just I've shown I can do it. It's about now delivering it on the practice court day in, day out and just trying to be more consistent with my level. 'It gives me a lot of belief that one day I can be here.'
Leader Live
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Jack Pinnington Jones: From carpooling with Jack Draper to reaching Wimbledon
Once a top-10 junior and the best of his age in Britain, Pinnington Jones will make his first appearance in the men's singles at the All England Club on Tuesday against Argentina's Tomas Etcheverry. The 22-year-old only left Texas Christian University (TCU) a month ago having decided to skip his final year and turn professional but has already impressed on grass, reaching his first final on the second tier Challenger Tour in Ilkley earlier this month and rising to a career high of 281 in the rankings. 👏 JACK 👏 PINNINGTON 👏 JONES 👏#ATPChallenger | @the_LTA — ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 17, 2025 If TCU sounds familiar it is because it is also the alma mater of Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley, with the latter rocketing up the rankings since leaving last year. 'Cam recruited me even before I was looking at colleges,' said Pinnington Jones. 'He's always been great to the younger guys in British tennis. 'I was on the team for two years with Jake so he's one of my best friends. To see him have the rise he's had was special. It didn't shock me to see him in the top 100, as quickly as it was was a bit surprising but I'm just happy for him. 'Those guys are big inspirations and I want to be up there with them and have a little TCU core, that would be awesome and it almost gives me a bit more confidence knowing that those guys are doing it so why can't I, if I put in the same work and focus and have good people around me.' The legacy of our 𝗪𝗶𝗺𝗯𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗴𝘀 🌱 · Four national championships· Four NCAA semifinals· Eight Big 12 titles· 10 sets of All-American honors· 211 team wins — TCU Men's Tennis (@TCUMensTennis) June 28, 2025 Dan Evans was among those to question Pinnington Jones' decision not to turn professional earlier, but the Surrey player has no doubt he made the right decision. 'I didn't feel I was mature enough to do it at that age,' he said. 'I was watching all my friends go there (to college) and improving. I chatted to my parents about it and we were like, 'If you're good enough to be a tennis player and you still want to be, you'll get there'. 'We all decided as a family that college feels like the right fit. Looking back, it's the best decision I could have made for myself.' He is one of seven British players in the men's singles to have gone to US college, with Johannus Monday, Oliver Tarvet and Oliver Crawford also making their debuts. One of the first people to congratulate him on his wild card, meanwhile, was British number one Draper. The pair have been friends since their teenage years, with Pinnington Jones saying: 'He used to pick me up on his way into training when he passed his driving test and I hadn't passed mine. 'He hates sitting in traffic so he'd always be at my house at like 6.30am. It was brutal. I wouldn't hit until 11 and I'd be at the NTC (National Tennis Centre) at 7am. Him doing what he's doing in tennis is amazing to see.' Pinnington Jones was put in charge of the music selection while Draper sought the fastest route. 'He's got better,' said Pinnington Jones with a smile when asked about Draper's driving skills. One. Set. Away. ⏳ Wild card Pinnington Jones takes a razor-tight 7-6(8) opener over Schoolkate in the Ilkley final!#ATPChallenger | @the_LTA — ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 15, 2025 'I've seen him at his worst when he'd just passed his test. He was probably a bit too confident but he's a good driver. It was good times. He really liked Skepta so I'd always try to please him. I'm quite into my house music but at 6.30am it's tough to be pumping house music.' Another man who will be watching with interest from afar is Andy Murray, who used to mentor Pinnington Jones through his management agency. 'I played golf at his golf club (on Friday) and he said hello and good luck,' said Pinnington Jones. 'Andy's a great guy. Obviously he was a childhood idol growing up and he's always been very supportive. I'm sure I could ping him a message asking questions any time. I'm still a bit starstruck by him so I don't do it that much but he's amazing.'
South Wales Guardian
29-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Jack Pinnington Jones: From carpooling with Jack Draper to reaching Wimbledon
Once a top-10 junior and the best of his age in Britain, Pinnington Jones will make his first appearance in the men's singles at the All England Club on Tuesday against Argentina's Tomas Etcheverry. The 22-year-old only left Texas Christian University (TCU) a month ago having decided to skip his final year and turn professional but has already impressed on grass, reaching his first final on the second tier Challenger Tour in Ilkley earlier this month and rising to a career high of 281 in the rankings. 👏 JACK 👏 PINNINGTON 👏 JONES 👏#ATPChallenger | @the_LTA — ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 17, 2025 If TCU sounds familiar it is because it is also the alma mater of Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley, with the latter rocketing up the rankings since leaving last year. 'Cam recruited me even before I was looking at colleges,' said Pinnington Jones. 'He's always been great to the younger guys in British tennis. 'I was on the team for two years with Jake so he's one of my best friends. To see him have the rise he's had was special. It didn't shock me to see him in the top 100, as quickly as it was was a bit surprising but I'm just happy for him. 'Those guys are big inspirations and I want to be up there with them and have a little TCU core, that would be awesome and it almost gives me a bit more confidence knowing that those guys are doing it so why can't I, if I put in the same work and focus and have good people around me.' The legacy of our 𝗪𝗶𝗺𝗯𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗴𝘀 🌱 · Four national championships· Four NCAA semifinals· Eight Big 12 titles· 10 sets of All-American honors· 211 team wins — TCU Men's Tennis (@TCUMensTennis) June 28, 2025 Dan Evans was among those to question Pinnington Jones' decision not to turn professional earlier, but the Surrey player has no doubt he made the right decision. 'I didn't feel I was mature enough to do it at that age,' he said. 'I was watching all my friends go there (to college) and improving. I chatted to my parents about it and we were like, 'If you're good enough to be a tennis player and you still want to be, you'll get there'. 'We all decided as a family that college feels like the right fit. Looking back, it's the best decision I could have made for myself.' He is one of seven British players in the men's singles to have gone to US college, with Johannus Monday, Oliver Tarvet and Oliver Crawford also making their debuts. One of the first people to congratulate him on his wild card, meanwhile, was British number one Draper. The pair have been friends since their teenage years, with Pinnington Jones saying: 'He used to pick me up on his way into training when he passed his driving test and I hadn't passed mine. 'He hates sitting in traffic so he'd always be at my house at like 6.30am. It was brutal. I wouldn't hit until 11 and I'd be at the NTC (National Tennis Centre) at 7am. Him doing what he's doing in tennis is amazing to see.' Pinnington Jones was put in charge of the music selection while Draper sought the fastest route. 'He's got better,' said Pinnington Jones with a smile when asked about Draper's driving skills. One. Set. Away. ⏳ Wild card Pinnington Jones takes a razor-tight 7-6(8) opener over Schoolkate in the Ilkley final!#ATPChallenger | @the_LTA — ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 15, 2025 'I've seen him at his worst when he'd just passed his test. He was probably a bit too confident but he's a good driver. It was good times. He really liked Skepta so I'd always try to please him. I'm quite into my house music but at 6.30am it's tough to be pumping house music.' Another man who will be watching with interest from afar is Andy Murray, who used to mentor Pinnington Jones through his management agency. 'I played golf at his golf club (on Friday) and he said hello and good luck,' said Pinnington Jones. 'Andy's a great guy. Obviously he was a childhood idol growing up and he's always been very supportive. I'm sure I could ping him a message asking questions any time. I'm still a bit starstruck by him so I don't do it that much but he's amazing.'
North Wales Chronicle
29-06-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Jack Pinnington Jones: From carpooling with Jack Draper to reaching Wimbledon
Once a top-10 junior and the best of his age in Britain, Pinnington Jones will make his first appearance in the men's singles at the All England Club on Tuesday against Argentina's Tomas Etcheverry. The 22-year-old only left Texas Christian University (TCU) a month ago having decided to skip his final year and turn professional but has already impressed on grass, reaching his first final on the second tier Challenger Tour in Ilkley earlier this month and rising to a career high of 281 in the rankings. 👏 JACK 👏 PINNINGTON 👏 JONES 👏#ATPChallenger | @the_LTA — ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 17, 2025 If TCU sounds familiar it is because it is also the alma mater of Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley, with the latter rocketing up the rankings since leaving last year. 'Cam recruited me even before I was looking at colleges,' said Pinnington Jones. 'He's always been great to the younger guys in British tennis. 'I was on the team for two years with Jake so he's one of my best friends. To see him have the rise he's had was special. It didn't shock me to see him in the top 100, as quickly as it was was a bit surprising but I'm just happy for him. 'Those guys are big inspirations and I want to be up there with them and have a little TCU core, that would be awesome and it almost gives me a bit more confidence knowing that those guys are doing it so why can't I, if I put in the same work and focus and have good people around me.' The legacy of our 𝗪𝗶𝗺𝗯𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗴𝘀 🌱 · Four national championships· Four NCAA semifinals· Eight Big 12 titles· 10 sets of All-American honors· 211 team wins — TCU Men's Tennis (@TCUMensTennis) June 28, 2025 Dan Evans was among those to question Pinnington Jones' decision not to turn professional earlier, but the Surrey player has no doubt he made the right decision. 'I didn't feel I was mature enough to do it at that age,' he said. 'I was watching all my friends go there (to college) and improving. I chatted to my parents about it and we were like, 'If you're good enough to be a tennis player and you still want to be, you'll get there'. 'We all decided as a family that college feels like the right fit. Looking back, it's the best decision I could have made for myself.' He is one of seven British players in the men's singles to have gone to US college, with Johannus Monday, Oliver Tarvet and Oliver Crawford also making their debuts. One of the first people to congratulate him on his wild card, meanwhile, was British number one Draper. The pair have been friends since their teenage years, with Pinnington Jones saying: 'He used to pick me up on his way into training when he passed his driving test and I hadn't passed mine. 'He hates sitting in traffic so he'd always be at my house at like 6.30am. It was brutal. I wouldn't hit until 11 and I'd be at the NTC (National Tennis Centre) at 7am. Him doing what he's doing in tennis is amazing to see.' Pinnington Jones was put in charge of the music selection while Draper sought the fastest route. 'He's got better,' said Pinnington Jones with a smile when asked about Draper's driving skills. One. Set. Away. ⏳ Wild card Pinnington Jones takes a razor-tight 7-6(8) opener over Schoolkate in the Ilkley final!#ATPChallenger | @the_LTA — ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 15, 2025 'I've seen him at his worst when he'd just passed his test. He was probably a bit too confident but he's a good driver. It was good times. He really liked Skepta so I'd always try to please him. I'm quite into my house music but at 6.30am it's tough to be pumping house music.' Another man who will be watching with interest from afar is Andy Murray, who used to mentor Pinnington Jones through his management agency. 'I played golf at his golf club (on Friday) and he said hello and good luck,' said Pinnington Jones. 'Andy's a great guy. Obviously he was a childhood idol growing up and he's always been very supportive. I'm sure I could ping him a message asking questions any time. I'm still a bit starstruck by him so I don't do it that much but he's amazing.'
Rhyl Journal
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Jack Pinnington Jones: From carpooling with Jack Draper to reaching Wimbledon
Once a top-10 junior and the best of his age in Britain, Pinnington Jones will make his first appearance in the men's singles at the All England Club on Tuesday against Argentina's Tomas Etcheverry. The 22-year-old only left Texas Christian University (TCU) a month ago having decided to skip his final year and turn professional but has already impressed on grass, reaching his first final on the second tier Challenger Tour in Ilkley earlier this month and rising to a career high of 281 in the rankings. 👏 JACK 👏 PINNINGTON 👏 JONES 👏#ATPChallenger | @the_LTA — ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 17, 2025 If TCU sounds familiar it is because it is also the alma mater of Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley, with the latter rocketing up the rankings since leaving last year. 'Cam recruited me even before I was looking at colleges,' said Pinnington Jones. 'He's always been great to the younger guys in British tennis. 'I was on the team for two years with Jake so he's one of my best friends. To see him have the rise he's had was special. It didn't shock me to see him in the top 100, as quickly as it was was a bit surprising but I'm just happy for him. 'Those guys are big inspirations and I want to be up there with them and have a little TCU core, that would be awesome and it almost gives me a bit more confidence knowing that those guys are doing it so why can't I, if I put in the same work and focus and have good people around me.' The legacy of our 𝗪𝗶𝗺𝗯𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗴𝘀 🌱 · Four national championships· Four NCAA semifinals· Eight Big 12 titles· 10 sets of All-American honors· 211 team wins — TCU Men's Tennis (@TCUMensTennis) June 28, 2025 Dan Evans was among those to question Pinnington Jones' decision not to turn professional earlier, but the Surrey player has no doubt he made the right decision. 'I didn't feel I was mature enough to do it at that age,' he said. 'I was watching all my friends go there (to college) and improving. I chatted to my parents about it and we were like, 'If you're good enough to be a tennis player and you still want to be, you'll get there'. 'We all decided as a family that college feels like the right fit. Looking back, it's the best decision I could have made for myself.' He is one of seven British players in the men's singles to have gone to US college, with Johannus Monday, Oliver Tarvet and Oliver Crawford also making their debuts. One of the first people to congratulate him on his wild card, meanwhile, was British number one Draper. The pair have been friends since their teenage years, with Pinnington Jones saying: 'He used to pick me up on his way into training when he passed his driving test and I hadn't passed mine. 'He hates sitting in traffic so he'd always be at my house at like 6.30am. It was brutal. I wouldn't hit until 11 and I'd be at the NTC (National Tennis Centre) at 7am. Him doing what he's doing in tennis is amazing to see.' Pinnington Jones was put in charge of the music selection while Draper sought the fastest route. 'He's got better,' said Pinnington Jones with a smile when asked about Draper's driving skills. One. Set. Away. ⏳ Wild card Pinnington Jones takes a razor-tight 7-6(8) opener over Schoolkate in the Ilkley final!#ATPChallenger | @the_LTA — ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 15, 2025 'I've seen him at his worst when he'd just passed his test. He was probably a bit too confident but he's a good driver. It was good times. He really liked Skepta so I'd always try to please him. I'm quite into my house music but at 6.30am it's tough to be pumping house music.' Another man who will be watching with interest from afar is Andy Murray, who used to mentor Pinnington Jones through his management agency. 'I played golf at his golf club (on Friday) and he said hello and good luck,' said Pinnington Jones. 'Andy's a great guy. Obviously he was a childhood idol growing up and he's always been very supportive. I'm sure I could ping him a message asking questions any time. I'm still a bit starstruck by him so I don't do it that much but he's amazing.'
