Harris continues solid display to book Eastbourne quarter-final

By Abi Curran

Billy Harris put on a solid display to continue his whirlwind summer and make it back-to-back quarter-finals on the ATP Tour at the LTA’s Rothesay International Eastbourne.

The Manx tennis marvel’s rapid rise was extended on the south coast in just his third ATP Tour event, as he came from a set down to win 3-6 6-2 6-2 against compatriot Charles Broom.

Broom entered the last 16 on a first-round bye as a lucky loser after the LTA’s cinch Championships winner Tommy Paul withdrew from the tournament earlier this week.

He battled well to take the first set leaving Harris with work to do, but the top 150 player, currently in the form of his life, made no mistake in the second and third.

He said: “I feel like the grass has been very good to me these last few weeks, I feel like I’ve got momentum in my game.

“I’m playing well on the grass and feeling good going into the next few matches.

“I haven’t been thinking about the ranking because I’ve been so busy getting ready for the next match.

“After the grass-court season, it’s definitely going to help me get into more ATP qualifying events which is going to help me play for bigger points.

“It’s a bit of a snowball effect and hopefully it’s going to help me continue good form.”

At the LTA’s Rothesay Open Nottingham, Broom got past fellow Brit Dan Evans on his way to the final before Jacob Fearnley beat him to the title.

He was looking to continue his run after receiving a singles and doubles Wimbledon wild card alongside Arthur Fery and stormed to take the first set from Harris.

Harris has also been awarded a singles and doubles wild card for Wimbledon, alongside Liam Broady in doubles, and insists he is making the most of every opportunity coming his way.

He said: “I’m massively appreciative of the wild cards, it’s great that they’re giving all the wild cards this year to the British players, giving everyone the best opportunities they can.

“I’m thankful to Wimbledon and the LTA for the opportunities and I’ll hopefully prove it was a good choice in giving me one.

“I’m just taking it a match at a time at the moment, a lot of focus at the moment and I’m sure I’ll have a week off to plan what’s next after Wimbledon.”

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