Charlie Robertson is beginning his transition to a senior tennis player, having just finished his final junior year ranked World #8 and Great Britain Under 18s #1, and due to his ranking, he will receive eight wildcards for the ATP challengers over the next year. In 2024, Charlie competed in all Grand Slams, making the last 16 of the French Open in June and Wimbledon in July (having made his Wimbledon debut in 2023), and in September, he reached the Semi-Finals at the US Open without dropping a set. Another competition for Charlie last year saw him come away with the Bronze medal in October at the ITF World Tour Junior Finals in Chengdu. Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Charlie attended a post-Wimbledon training camp in Greece with fellow Scottish tennis player Andy Murray as his training partner, and later this month, Charlie is set to compete at the Glasgow Challenger. Answering our questions, Charlie talks about finishing his final junior year ranked World #8 and Great Britain Under 18s #1, winning Bronze at the ITF World Tour Junior Finals in October, competing at all Junior Grand Slams last year and attending the training camp ahead of the Paris Olympics with Andy Murray.
You have just finished your final year of junior tennis ranked World #8 and Great Britain Under 18s #1, how does it feel finishing your junior career ranked in the top 10 and what are you looking forward to for transitioning to senior tennis?
It was one of my goals to finish as a top 10 world junior, it has taken a lot of hard work and determination to get there which paid off and I am very proud to finish juniors ranked 8 in the world. Because of my ranking, I will receive eight wildcards for ATP challengers over the next year from the ITF Accelerator Programme, which will help me transition into the men’s game and experience the men’s level.
Can you tell us about your time at the ITF World Tour Junior Finals in Chengdu in October, which saw you win Bronze?
The ITF World Tour Finals was a great experience, playing against the best juniors in the world and it was like a pro tournament. Many top pros have played this tournament and it really inspires me to keep working hard to achieve my goals.
How did you find the experience of competing at all Junior Grand Slams last year?
It was a really special experience to compete in all the Grand Slams, the atmosphere is great and you get to play in front of crowds, which gives you a feel for pro tennis and it is an experience I will always remember.
In September, you made the Semi-Finals of the 2024 US Open, how was it reaching the Semi-Finals without dropping a set?
Yes, it was a great experience making the Semi-Finals without dropping a set! I felt I was very focused and was feeling confident in my game and the hard work had paid off. There was so much support from the crowds and my team.
How did you stay focused during the US Open and what was the tournament like to be part of?
I had good preparation leading up to the US open and I was feeling confident. I made sure I stuck to my routines and kept focused on my tennis. Being part of the tournament kept my focus professional.
Having reached the last 16 of the French Open in June and Wimbledon in July, what did you enjoy about both tournaments?
I enjoyed being out on the courts at the French Open competing in front of the crowds and having access to the players areas where you can see and mix with the pros. For me, playing on Court 3 at Wimbledon was the highlight of my year, playing on a big court in front of a home crowd was an amazing feeling.
What do you remember most from making your Wimbledon debut in 2023 and how do you feel your tennis has developed since then?
I just remember I was very nervous but also excited to play a match on the Wimbledon courts, it was a dream come true! I played a really good match and felt amazing afterwards. I would say that my confidence and belief has increased by getting these experiences and you learn so much.
Last summer, you went to a post-Wimbledon training camp in Greece with fellow Scottish tennis player Andy Murray as his training partner ahead of the Paris Olympics, how was this?
This was a very special week for me. I loved every moment and to spend time with someone who I look up to and could chat to about tennis was incredible. Again, I learnt so much from this experience and it really motivates me to get better every day.
How different do you find competing in doubles opposed to singles and how do you prepare for doubles matches?
I just prepare the same for doubles as I do my singles, making sure I get good practices and have good routines. I will chat to my partner about our tactics. It is fun to share the court with someone else. I enjoy playing both and I think doubles can improve aspects of your singles game.
Do you have a favourite aspect of being a tennis player and playing in both singles and doubles?
Travelling the world and playing in different countries and conditions, I really enjoy this challenge and competing, I love to compete! I enjoy playing both singles and doubles and sometimes when I have lost my singles early the doubles has kept me in the tournament until the later stages.
Where does your love of tennis come from and how did you get started in the sport?
I got started by hitting a ball against a wall at a local club where my older brother and sister played. Once I was old enough, it was great to play with them, I loved playing lots of sports but tennis became my favourite sport and I loved playing in the club teams and competing in the tournaments.
Who are some of your favourite tennis players to watch (both current and former)?
Obviously Andy Murray! And I have watched him from a young age. I am also a big fan of Tommy Paul and Jamie Murray.
Can you tell us about your training and how does it change in the lead-up to major competitions?
I do fitness training and practice sets in advance of a major tournament. One or two days before, I reduce the fitness, making sure I get lots of sleep and good nutrition.
How do you like to spend your time away from tennis?
I love to play golf and also socialise with my friends. I also enjoy doing some art.
Do you have any tournaments coming up that you can tell us about or that you are targeting?
I have the Glasgow Challenger, which is a special one for me as I did well in it last year and I am hoping to do well. I am just looking forward to playing Futures and Challengers this year and feeling the level in the men’s game.
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