I was number one in South Africa in junior age groups in tennis. We had great talent in the country but no one made it to the top internationally as pros. Why? Because of money. Somehow there was just no matching up of top talent with sponsors. Some tried to emigrate. In other countries like France, they helped the guys from a young age, financially, and technically with coaching.

So we were competing against them. Even the great weather in SA (only one indoor court that I know of) couldn't help us conquer THAT obstacle! There are exceptions of course like Kevin Anderson. He went to college in the United States. Maybe a good intermediate step to get what you need. But imagine if he had gotten the right support at a younger age.