Of the top six men’s doubles pairs in Europe, two of which are from England. The number two English pair of Ben Lane and Sean Vendy are looking to take further strides forward towards the very top. 

Lane, 22, speaks about the tough journey he has already had to get to this stage and shares his experience of transitioning from a junior player to senior level. 

-When I first arrived in Milton Keynes, I was 18, so quite young. The training was really hard, and my body couldn’t deal with it then, so it’s taken me a long time to get used to it. However, over the last two to three years, it is just the effort you put in every day that really counts.

The number one English pair are the Olympic bronze medallists, Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge. With Langridge speaking of retirement, and Ellis performing well in his mixed doubles, there have been times Lane and Vendy have had to step up as the top English pair. For example, this happened at the European Men’s and Women’s Team Championships in February this year. Commenting on this, Lane says. 

-I think myself and Sean have shown over the last few months we are ready to step up and play number one doubles in the absences of Marcus and Chris, we also both understand that there’s a long way to go to reach the level we want to, but it’s just a process. 

Read: Langridge: I was taken to the hospital

A special thing 

A major rival in the men’s doubles has always been Denmark. Thinking about whether the English pairs are closer than ever, Lane says. 

-The Danes have always been strong in the men’s doubles category, so I’m sure they will continue to produce players. I’m not sure it has closed completely yet, but they definitely do not dominate as they used too! 

Lastly, asking about the ceased partnership with Jessica Pugh in the mixed doubles in order to focus on his level doubles, Lane states. 

-In terms of Jess and I playing together, I am not sure what the future holds right now, but I’m sure for the time being my whole focus will be on men’s doubles!

-I think because I’ve been playing with Sean for so many years, I don’t actually know any different! So of course, it’s a special thing walking on court next to him, especially as we are so close off-court as well.