Klugman savours 'special' win in Roehampton

By Abi Curran

Wimbledon native Hannah Klugman savoured a ‘special’ first-round win in Roehampton to keep her SW19 main-draw dream alive.

The 15-year-old, who grew up playing tennis at nearby Westside Tennis Club, cruised into the second round of Wimbledon Qualifying with a straight sets 6-2 6-2 win over Petra Marcinko

In December, she became the first British girl to win the prestigious under-18 Orange Bowl title in Florida, whose former champions include Grand Slam winners Coco Gauff and Caroline Wozniacki.

Playing mere miles from where she grew up in the shadow of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Klugman is relishing the opportunity to advance further towards a qualifying spot.

She said: “It was really special, Wimbledon is always special for me because I live there so I had all my family around.

“I love being supported with the crowds, I do thrive in those sorts of situations.

“I’m still young so I’m taking it step by step and just accepting some weeks won't be as good as others, I’m still learning that.

“I’m going match by match and point by point and just backing myself in those big matches, starting off in Wimbledon down at Westside and now here is amazing.”

Klugman is on the LTA’s Pro Scholarship Programme presented by Lexus, the highest level of support for developing players aged 16-24, designed to help them crack the Top 100.

Last year, she was the practice partner for French Open semi-finalist Mirra Andreeva and believes her early Wimbledon experiences have served her well going into this season.

She said: “I went to Wimbledon every year because I was playing from such a young age, I looked up to those players and I remember watching the finals days and just dreaming.

“I did a whole week with Andreeva last year which was good to see the level, she’s doing absolutely amazing, you look up to that but not putting pressure on yourself.

“She’s obviously so special, she’s 17 but it’s your own journey so it’s just taking it step by step.”

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