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Britain’s Jay Clarke believes there is still a “barrier” to prevent young black tennis players from developing in the UK.

Last month, LTA launched the “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Program”, saying “it will not be satisfied until the diversity of everyone involved in tennis reflects the diversity of the country’s communities.”

Clarke, 26, is one of several British top 200 players on Black or Mixed Legacy, including Heather Watson, Paul Jubb and George Loffhagen.

“It’s great to see more black players break through and hopefully we can inspire more kids to pick up the rackets,” Clarke, 26, said.

“I think there are still obstacles, and for black players, the sport is not able to get amazing visits.

“The LTA did a good thing to repaint the park court and give people a chance.

“The most important thing is to see people like you play and do well in the big stages. Representatives are important.”

Wimbledon commemorates the 50th anniversary of Arthur Ashe’s victory at All England Club this summer, the first black tennis player to win the men’s singles championship in the Grand Slam.

Ashe, who won three major titles, has been one of Clarke’s biggest inspirations after being told about the story of American players.

“Let the blacks win Wimbledon, my dad could see it, it passed on to me,” Clark added.

“I watched his highlights when I was young, and my dad used to let me play different games – that’s how I learned to play the sport.”

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