HE hopes to follow in the path of Wimbledon champion Roger Federer.

And North Baddesley youngster James Chaudry took a significant step in that direction on Saturday when he was crowned national 13 and under tennis champion.

An outstanding summer, which has included wins at the prestigious Players Plus International in Nottingham and the Clay Court Championships in Solihull, meant Chaudry was top seed for the championships played all last week at the West Hampshire Club in Bournemouth.

The 13-year-old won through to the last four, where he was matched against Surrey's Tom Farquharson.

The match hung in the balance after Chaudry lost the first set and stood level at five-all in the second.

But he found his nerve and best form when it mattered most to take eight of the next ten games on his way to 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory.

In the final, Chaudry faced Buckinghamshire's Robert Mariconda and looked somewhat tense in the early stages, losing the first set 6-4.

But he quickly found his range to roar through the next two sets 6-2, 6-2 to take the title.

Mum Rosie said: "He is really thrilled and it caps off what has been an amazing year for him. He was top seed so I think he felt under a little bit of pressure. There were a lot of people watching the final, but he handled it very well."

Chaudry has been well supported in his tennis by the Mountbatten School in Romsey, but will begin the new academic year at the national LTA tennis academy in Bath, where he will attend the Ralph Allen School.

It means that he will be able to receive top coaching and be practising around fours every day with some of the best players in the country.

He will also be put on a strict fitness programme to help maintain and improve his already exceptional speed around the court.

"It is a big thing for him to be leaving his friends, but he really couldn't have got where he is without the help of Mountbatten School who have been brilliant," added Rosie.

"He will definitely keep up his links with the school, but it a great opportunity for him."

Chaudry, who was narrowly defeated in the semi-finals of the 12 and under championships last year, is coached by Hampshire performance officer Mike Booth.