The LTA's tennis academy at Loughborough University has been opened by HRH the Duchess of Gloucester.

The academy has been designed to focus on providing top-quality facilities and support for the LTA's intermediate and elite squads.

Players at the Loughborough academy will benefit from a long-term player development plan which will include up to four hours of training a day, both individually and in groups.

The academy, which cost over £2m, will be accessible to many of Britain's most talented tennis players.

It will be supported by Loughborough university, which will allow access to its top quality sports science and sports medicine facilities.

On the edge of the university campus, the academy includes four indoor acrylic hard courts, three outdoor acrylic hard courts and three outdoor American clay courts, installed by Halmo Sports.

The academy is an integral part of the National Performance Plan and will integrate training with a schedule of tournament play.

Head coach, Leighton Alfred, said, 'This is a very exciting time for British tennis. The programme and facilities we have in place are cutting edge. I am confident that every player selected for our academy has the support necessary to fulfil their potential.'

David Felgate has been appointed the LTA's new director of performance, replacing Patrice Hagelauer.