Qualifying for a grand slam is an arduous task, and it is no less difficult for those currently competing for a place in the Wimbledon main draw.
Following the conclusion of the Queen’s Club Championships, players competed in a whirlwind first day of men’s singles qualifying at Wimbledon.
Some players careened to comfortable victories, others battled through tough three-setters and one player received a huge slice of luck.
These British stalwarts made it through their first round of qualifying and they will be hoping to progress to the Wimbledon main draw. The Wimbledon schedule is released on June 27.
Ryan Peniston
The Southend-on-Sea native swept past Argentinian Facundo Bagnis, winning 6-3 6-1 after converting six of nine break-point opportunities.
Peniston, a left-hander, will face Spain’s Martin Landaluce in the next round of Wimbledon qualifying.
Paul Jubb
Jubb, who pushed eventual finalist Nick Kyrgios to five sets at Wimbledon in 2022, also dismissed another Argentinian opponent, beating 19th seed Thiago Agustin Tirante 6-3 6-2.
The 25-year-old, who was born in Hull, will face Italy’s Giulio Zeppieri in the next round. If he beats the Italian, Jubb will have the opportunity to join fellow Brits at Wimbledon in the main draw.
Oliver Bonding
Right-handed Bonding battled past Norway’s Viktor Durasovic, utilising a strong serving performance to win 7-5 2-6 6-4.
The 17-year-old, ranked 923 in the world, faces Juan Pablo Ficovich in the next qualifying round.
Hamish Stewart
Stewart, ranked 550 in the world, progressed through to the next round in rather unusual circumstances.
The 25-year-old was only one game from defeat against Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot, losing 4-6 5-6. However, the Monegasque player slipped on the grass surface and was unable to continue, BBC Sport reports.
As a result, Stewart will face French 21-year-old Luca Van Assche in the next round.
Oliver Tarvet
Ranked 719 in the world, 21-year-old Tarvet recorded an impressive victory over 14th seed Terence Atmane, winning 6-1 7-6.
Tarvet, who won 82 per cent of his first serve points against the Frenchman, faces Canada’s Alexi Galarneau in the next round of qualifying.
The Brits who are out
Unfortunately, not all of the British representatives on day one of qualifying made it through to the next round.
Alastair Gray lost a tight encounter to Frenchman Arthur Bouquier, losing 7-5 3-6 4-6, while James Story lost to Chilean player Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera 6-0 6-2.
Jan Choinski was defeated by Estonia’s Mark Lajal, losing 6-3 4-6 6-3. Giles Hussey lost a close match against Danish player August Holmgren, going down 6-4 3-6 5-7.
