PLAYERS from across the county were recognised at the third annual Tennis Oxfordshire awards at Abingdon College.

For the first time it included an outstanding contribution prize.

Max Hilleard, who died this year aged 25, was the unanimous recipient.

It was collected by his parents Gil and Kate, with the award to be named in his honour from now on.

Andrew Broadhurst, of Tennis Oxfordshire, said: “He coached many juniors but was particularly drawn to helping players less able.

“He soon got involved with wheelchair tennis and then started working with children with Down’s syndrome and at a special needs school.

“He delivered outstanding coaching sessions, always patient, totally self-deprecating and added a great deal to so many others.”

ROLL OF HONOUR

Most improved club player: Lorenzo Raggiaschi, Matthew Hayes, Ben Jones, Jeylan Johnson, Aneesa Zameel, Sonia Chiorean.

Coach’s club player: Anthony Sol, Antoni Vickers, Joey Raven, Pippa Hodges, Mishel Andreeva, Grace West.

Club player special achievement: Andew Dunn.

Best contribution to school tennis: Olly Webb, Rose Kent, Olly Carr.

8U – Coaches’ county player: Heidi Hollick.

9U – Most improved county player: Andrew Dunn, Olivia Wood. Coaches’ county player: Oliver Gifford.

10U – Most improved county player: George Ramsey, Heidi Ellis. Coaches’ county player: Caleb Lynch Smith, Banita Kaur.

12U – Most improved county player: Sam Wood, Ellie Thresh. Coaches’ county player: Felix Schmidt, Emily Hollick.

14U – Most improved county player: Josh Zalh, Maria Ustic. Coaches’ county player: Billy Groves, Darcey Trotman.

18U – Most improved county player: Christian Yeates, Alice Hodges. Coaches’ county player: Simon Ukrainets, Chloe Elliott.

Most improved county player: Felix Breach.

Top county individual performance: Xavier Mohindra, Matilda Mutavdzic.

Outstanding contribution to Oxon junior tennis: Max Hilleard.