Is Joe Akka the best Tennis Player in the North West?

It's a big claim to make, but Joe Akka might just be the best tennis player in the North West. With a forehand that would make Roger Federer himself think twice, Joe Akka has made a real name for himself in the area. He's come a long way since being selected as a ball boy for a Stefan Edberg match in his childhood. Akka was bitten by the tennis bug that day, and has since risen to become one of the most accomplished tennis players in the North West.

It's Akka's all round game play that marks him out from the crowd. He's a powerful and aggressive player who can turn a tennis match on its head with a single shot. As his trophy cabinet continues to bulge, he has even developed something of a dedicated local following. The ‘Joe Akka Manchester Fans' group began life as a practical joke. A couple of his school friends set up a Facebook page dedicated to the player in a bid to convince him that he was becoming a well known name in Manchester tennis. To their surprise, the group quickly spiralled. There are now 20-30 genuine Joe Akka Manchester Fans who cheer him on at games and regularly meet up for a midweek drink.

Akka plays tennis wherever he can in the North West and even manages to hold down a job around his sporting commitments. It's this dedication and professionalism that has helped him to get ahead of his rivals. With his belief and experience growing all the time, we may even see him turn out on the hallowed grass of Queen's Club in the near future. Ultimately Joe Akka - Manchester's own - dreams of playing for his country at the famous Wimbledon. There's a long way to go before that becomes a possibility, however. As the ‘Joe Akka Manchester Fans' are only too aware, there is some stiff competition in Manchester alone. Tennis continues to grow in popularity in the North West, and with some fantastic tennis facilities like the Regional Tennis Centre in Manchester, it's no surprise that the area is blessed with talent.

Joe Akka, Manchester born and bred, started his tennis career early in his life, but drifted away from the sport somewhat as he grew up. After dedicating his younger years to the sport, other priorities meant that he spent less and less time on the court. That's all changed now though, and Joe Akka's love affair with the sport has been rekindled by moving back to Manchester, where it all started. After training intensively to get back to the level of fitness required, he has found an incredible streak of form which could make Joe Akka, Manchester, and the entirety of the North West very happy indeed. If he continues to progress at this rate, he will soon be in amongst the top bracket of players in the world.