Billy Harris savours career-best victory at Queen's

By Abi Curran

Billy Harris savoured a first round to remember at the LTA’s cinch Championships with a career-best win over world No.32 Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

Nottingham-born Harris’ maiden win at Queen’s Club pleased the packed crowds after he received a wildcard for the main draw.

The 29-year-old will face France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the round of 16 and the brilliant Brit is already eyeing Wimbledon and the top 100 after flying up the world rankings.

He said: “I’m very happy with the result, a career-high win for me and to do it at home on the grass is even more special.

“It doesn’t get any easier, I’ve got a tough opponent tomorrow in Perricard, he’s a big server so I’m just going to prepare for that and rest well, I’ve got a big day tomorrow.

“I’m very grateful for the wildcard and a win is definitely a good start and I hope to continue as much as I can.

“Last year I lost at Wimbledon in the third round of qualifying and it’s a dream to play there so fingers crossed for me this year."

Harris made back-to-back semi-finals at the LTA’s Lexus Surbiton Trophy and Rothesay Open Nottingham before receiving a wildcard for Queen’s.

He believes his form can benefit British tennis as a whole following British No. 1s Katie Boulter’s and Jack Draper’s grass-court triumphs last week at the Stuttgart and Nottingham Open

With Wimbledon, the ultimate target for the rest of his season on grass, Harris reflected on his progress over the past 12 months.

He added: “Nottingham was definitely a good confidence boost, two semi-finals, that’s the best I’ve done in those tournaments so I’m feeling good about my game and that definitely helped today.

“You obviously have to focus on your own game but to see Jack tearing up the rankings and Katie Boulter winning last week, it’s great for British tennis and just trying to keep up as much as you can with those guys.”

For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website