FOR nine-year-old Ryan McCook, the love of tennis and a desire to be the world’s number one player some day has brought him from his native New York to the land of his parents’ birth to participate in this year’s PanCaribbeanBank All Jamaica Championships.

The youngster was born in the United States to Conrad and Paulette McCook who migrated over 20 years ago.

Ryan, who started playing the sport at age four, told the Observer that he was looking forward to the opportunity to compete.

“It’s a little bit challenging but I have a little confidence,” he said, adding that once he heard about the event and decided to participate, he started practising every day.

“I do want to win this one because I think if there’s a ranking around the world I want to be in (it). I’ve never been in a ranking around the world before,” he added.

McCook started playing in USTA tournaments in New York and finished runner-up in a rookie competition last year.

His father, Conrad, said he took the time out for an extra week’s vacation this summer so his son could get the chance to play here this week.

He made the decision because of the increased attention he saw Ryan display in the sport.

“Now he’s showing a lot more interest than last year,” he told the Observer.

McCook, in the meantime, said Rafael Nadal is his favourite player though he was disappointed that the Spaniard lost to Novak Djokovic in last Sunday’s Wimbledon final.

“I was not happy at first, but then I calmed down,” McCook laughed.