University of Sussex graduate Isaac Stoute and Team GB took silver at the Master'U BNP Paribas Tennis tournament in Grenoble from 29 November-2 December.
Isaac graduated from Sussex earlier this year with a bachelor's degree in Business, Management and Economics.
While at the University of Sussex, and after coming second at the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) national Tennis Championships in April 2018, he was ranked among the top three men's student singles tennis players in the country.
Then, in early November 2018, it was announced that Isaac had been chosen alongside five other players to compete as part of Team GB in the Master'U BNP Paribas Tennis tournament in Grenoble, France less than a month later.
Pressure could not have been higher for Team GB in Grenoble as they came to defend their 2017 gold title, nor the competition fiercer.
Their first draw was with the home team France, who they beat 3-1 wth a stunning comeback in the last stages of the match. Eventually the team reached the semi finals and it was Isaac Stoute and Jack Findel-Hawkins, from Devon, who then beat Germany - taking Team GB through to the finals to face TeamUSA.
TeamUSA, who had seven previous successes at this tournament, had a very strong team, including Brandon Holt, the son of former world number one Tracey Austin. Despite beating six other nations in the tournament, including China, Italy and Belgian, Team GB eventually lost to the USA in the final. You can read more about how they got on by having a look at the BUCS website.
While at the University of Sussex, Isaac benefitted from Sussexsport's Sport Scholarship Scheme, which allows students access to sport facilities for free, as well as financial support of up to £1,250 a year, strength and conditioning sessions, mentoring, access to physiotherapy, chiropractic and nutrional support and academic flexibility.
He credited the University earlier this year, saying: "Sussexsport's Sport Scholarship Scheme has helped me reach that [higher] level, with access to expertise in sports psychology, nutritional and strength and conditioning.
"Terry Cooper, who runs the Scheme, has been a huge aid to my progress. He trusted in my vision, which enabled me to succeed."
The Scholarship is generously supported by donations from friends and alumni of the University, which are made to the Sussex Fund. B
en Loxton, a member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO) at the University, who manage the Sussex Fund, spoke about how impressed the whole alumni community were by Isaacʼs accomplishments:
“Everyone at Sussex is immensely proud of what Isaac has achieved. We always hope the Sussex Fund Scholarships will allow our students to follow their passions, while also laying the groundwork for success in later life.
"It’s brilliant to see that has been the case for Isaac as he embarks on the professional circuit.”
He truly did Sussexsport, the wider University and our alumni proud, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.