TENNIS star Ryan Peniston is determined to build on a fine first full year on tour.

The 24-year-old from Great Wakering is now ranked inside the world’s top 400 players as well as being in the top 10 for Great Britain.

And Peniston can look back on 2019 with a real sense of satisfaction.

“I was really pleased with 2019,” said Peniston, who is currently ranked 386 in the world.

“It was my first full calendar year on tour so I had some new experiences and I’m definitely hungry for more in 2020.

“I’m working hard in training and working on my game to be the best I possibly can.

“But I can’t wait to get started again now.”

Peniston impressed on tour last year and won his first professional singles title after impressing in Mexico.

But there were plenty of other positives for Peniston in the past 12 months.

“There were a lot of highlights for me in 2019 which were really pleasing,” said Peniston.

“Winning my first professional title was an obvious high but so was playing Wimbledon qualifying.

“I also played for Great Britain for the first time at the World University Games which was great so I was happy with a lot of what happened.

“But I have to keep on looking forward and look to achieve even more this year now.”

And Peniston is also entering 2020 in a far more confident frame of mind.

Twelve months ago, the left-handed star was ranked 680th in the world but he remains hungry for more improvements.

“The year has given me tons of confidence,” said Peniston.

“It has shown me that I can hang with the top guys and given me new goals to reach.

“That’s what we’re working towards now and I definitely feel as though it’s more achievable.

“This time last year I wouldn’t have been anywhere near as confident as I am now and that definitely helps when you’re going out on court.”

Peniston’s schedule now takes him all over the world but when back home he will regularly train at the Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre at Garon Park.

And he is working towards achieving some tough-looking targets.

“I want to play the main draw of Wimbledon and participate in any of the other Grand Slam events if possible,” said Peniston.

“I’d also like to improve on my ranking as much as possible by doing well consistently throughout the year so that’s definitely another target of mine.”

But Peniston’s season will not start until the start of February.

“My next event will be a Challenger Tour event at the start of February,” said Peniston.

“I am looking forward to it as I’ve been able to put in some good work this off-season with my coach who is also my dad, Paul Peniston. It’s going well.”