Natasha Forrest: Jersey teenager follows Grand Slam dream

Natasha Forrest won bronze at the Island Games in 2015, knocking out the second seed on the way to the semi-finals

Jersey schoolgirl Natasha Forrest is training on clay in France as she pursues her dream of a future Grand Slam appearance.

Forrest emerged as one of the home stars of the 2015 Island Games, reaching the semi-finals at the age of just 14.

She travels across from the island to France every fortnight, either to train or represent St Malo.

"It's better competition over there," Forrest told BBC Radio Jersey.

"I'm currently training on the clay just to boost my confidence and to play more matches.

"France is known for Roland Garros and that's one of the major Grand Slams that I hope to be in in a few years time.

"I think I could do it if I really put my mind to it, I have so many people backing me and I'm determined."

Forrest was part of the home squad which won nine medals between them at Jersey 2015

While trying to balance GCSE studies with improving her game, Forrest's immediate aim is to qualify for the junior Nationals this summer and then better her bronze medal at the next Island Games in Gotland in 2017.

"I take my exam work away with me at the weekends so every time I'm off court I just do work," she added.

"Hopefully I'll be going for gold [in Gotland] again and it would be amazing to win."