Harris hails 'great week' at Eastbourne as focus switches to SW19

Billy Harris hailed 'a great week' at Eastbourne which has set him up perfectly for a Wimbledon debut after bowing out in the last four.

Harris fell just short of becoming the first Brit to reach a men’s singles final at Devonshire Park as Max Purcell came out on top 6-4 4-6 6-4.

Harris now turns his focus to taking on Spaniard Jaume Munar, ranked 63rd in the world, in the first round at SW19.

“It was a pretty good match overall,” he said. “But there were some loose games in there and I paid the price.

“(Max) Purcell is a tricky player, he’s good on the grass and makes it awkward. You can’t afford to give away cheap games against him.

“It stings but I’ll get over it and Wimbledon’s next so I have to focus on that. It has been a great week.”

Harris walked out to a raucous home crowd reception in his first ATP Tour semi-final but was quickly up against it in the opening set as Purcell earned a crucial break in the third game.

The Australian qualifier, a Wimbledon men’s doubles champion in 2022, went on to close out the opener but Harris roared back to level as he looked to complete his latest comeback victory, having responded successfully to going a set down in his previous two rounds.

But his run of seven victorious deciding sets in a row was ended as a break early in the third set proved crucial to helping Purcell reach his maiden ATP Tour final.

The Australian overcame Harris’ fellow Brit Henry Searle in Eastbourne and felt that experience stood him in good stead for the last four clash.

“I have a new coach this week and I feel like everything is coming together before one of my favourite tournaments," Purcell said.

“Qualifying gave me confidence, I felt like I was due a few wins. Playing Searle in a big crowd with the Brits cheering against me meant I was used to it here – but it was a great atmosphere and thanks to the fans for being so fair.”

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