ALEXIS Canter said it was an eye-opening experience to hit with one of the best players in the world.

The Oxfordshire No 1 recently practised with Milos Raonic, who reached the 2016 Wimbledon final, at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.

While the big-serving Canadian will be in the main draw at the All England Club in a few weeks’ time, Canter faces the tough task of having to go through the qualifying rounds.

The Long Wittenham player, who is ranked 557th on the ITF World Tennis Tour, faces Neil Pauffley in the first round of the LTA Wimbledon Wild Card Play-Offs at Aorangi Park today.

The 21-year-old is in a buoyant mood after his experience with World No 19 Raonic and believes he can challenge for one of the two places on offer to reach next week’s qualifying event at Roehampton.

“I’m feeling very confident,” said Canter.

“I’ve had some very good practices with some quality players and I’ve been matching them.

“Hitting with Milos Raonic was a great experience and it was a good feeling to hit a few winners past him.

“It was one of his first hits on the grass, he was taking it slightly easy, but we played some points and I wasn’t getting outclassed.

“It gives me great confidence with my game, it’s just match practice and thinking about the game situation.

“I was fortunate that my coach (Eric Dochtermann) has a good relationship with the coaches at the LTA and they helped put my name in the hat for practicing with these guys.

“I was very lucky, I also hit with (British No 2) Cameron Norrie.

“I picked up loads of things from watching them.

“They are so focused on implementing what they are working on and that is quite an eye-opener for me.”