Andy Murray is something of a lone ranger in representing Britain at the top level of tennis, but he might soon have some backup.

Gravesham Tennis Club is gearing up for a big summer ahead of Wimbledon, which starts next Monday, with £12,000 spent on refurbishing the courts and the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) Great British Tennis Weekend getting under way next month.

The club has more than 200 members turning up for coaching, tournaments and social play – a large number of them juniors.

Many of the talented teenagers and other players are routinely inspected by coach Michel Suleau, and I popped along to observe one of his Sunday morning master classes.

“There are four things you need to succeed at tennis,” the Frenchman told his protégés before the lesson began.

“In fact, you need these things to succeed at any sport.

“They are mental, physical, technical and tactical. You need to be good at all four.”

They would do well to take on his advice. The 58-year-old has coached all over the world, including stints in Senegal and his home country, for 24 years.

He moved to Gravesend nine years ago, married his wife Angie, and now they both coach at the club. Their commitment is gratefully received by chairman Damian Pender.

“Michel and Angie deserve a lot of credit, they are the lifeblood of the club in many ways,” said Mr Pender.

“Like many clubs, we want to get more people playing tennis more often because it is fun and good value all-year-round.

“Tennis is one of the few sports parents and children can play together. Every year there is a Great British Tennis Weekend, which is part of an LTA drive to get people playing tennis.

“We have an open day on July 17, where people can come down and have a free go at tennis for an hour.”

As well as the open session, there are plenty of other exciting reasons to pay the club a visit this summer.

Michel and Angie have been selected by the LTA to run a 10-week course inspired by Great Britain’s recent Davis Cup win.

Dubbed the Davis Cup Legacy Project, it aims to get thousands of youngsters taking up the sport across the country thanks to free lessons and even the chance of a free racket.

Some 10 years after I last picked up a racket, it did not take me long to realise I could probably do with some of Michel’s expert coaching.

There is certainly a reason why I chose not to allow my ‘talent’ to be showcased in any of these photographs.

Those who would like to sign up to the club are given a 50% discount on their first year of membership at £105.

The club is in Donald Biggs Drive, Milton Road, Gravesend, next to Gravesend Rugby Club. n For more information visit graveshamtennis.com.