The inquest into the lack of British singles success at the French Open is nothing new and is largely down to a lack of exposure to the clay.
According to the Lawn Tennis Association, there are around 1,300 clay-courts in Great Britain. That is about 5% of the 23,000 total number of courts.
In contrast, about 60% of courts in Spain – one of the leading nations on the surface – are clay.
“Do I think we should try and develop more juniors on clay? Yes. I think it helps the understanding and construction of the game more,” Jones said.
The grass courts are where British players tend do better, given it is the surface they have more access to from a younger age.
Giving a host of wildcards to home players throughout the British grass swing is also a crucial development tool.
For players like Oliver Tarvet, who met Alcaraz in the Wimbledon second round last year after receiving a qualifying wildcard, it can be a valuable springboard.
As well as exposure at a higher level, the money earned can be used to finance what is an expensive career.
“I think you’ll probably see some people you’ve never heard of before making deep runs in a lot of big tournaments,” Fearnley added.
“All the guys that lose in Paris aree straight on the grass the next day.
“I think the state of British tennis going into grass is probably pretty good.”
