Hillsborough tennis star Peter represents Ireland at Davis Cup

Peter, who is based at Soto Tennis Academy in Spain, is the first Ulsterman to make the Davis Cup Squad in over 30 years.

Peter who is from Hillsborough and is a past pupil of Dromore High School, started playing tennis at age 6 at Downshire Tennis Club, Hillsborough.

Peter began his days at Downshire with his late grandfather, Sammy Tuff, a Professional Tennis Coach and his mum Louise, who is a TCI Level 3 Coach.

Peter commented: “I was training in Soto Tennis Academy, my base in Spain when I found out that I had been selected - I was delighted and definitely one of the proudest moments in my tennis career so far.

“It has been one of my goals and to achieve this at only 19 is fantastic.”

Ireland lost to Belarus, a tough draw with Belarus having singles players ranked as high as 199 and 201 and a doubles pair ranked in the top 100.

Peter said: “It wasn’t the result we wanted but I really enjoyed my time with the team and Captain Conor Niland and Assistant Coach Jamie Delgado.

“The crowds were great in their support for the Irish Team at Castleknock Lawn Tennis Club, Dublin over the three days and it was great to see so many making the journey from Ulster and especially a group of around 30 from Downshire.”

Peter has won various National titles and represented Ulster as an Interpro player at U14, U18 and senior level.

The local player got his first ATP ‘Men’s’ World Ranking points at age 18 in Singles and Doubles in July 2014.

Speaking about working with Conor Niland and Jamie Delgado, Peter added: “Both players played to a very high level in their own careers. Conor played in two Grand Slams Wimbledon and US Open. Jamie played at Wimbledon consecutively for more than 20 years and is currently working with top 50 player Muller.

“It was a great learning experience to be part of the team.”