Loffhagen revels in stunning Wimbledon Qualifying win

By Abi Curran

George Loffhagen revelled in a stunning Wimbledon Qualifying first-round win to advance his dreams of reaching the main draw for a second time.

The 22-year-old from Ealing forced his way past Top 250 player Stefano Travaglia in a three-set-thriller, winning 6-4 4-6 7-5, breaking the Italian’s serve at the final opportunity in the decider.

Loffhagen claimed his first Challenger win last year at the LTA’s Rothesay Open Nottingham and, following a lengthy absence through injury, continued his progress on the grass this summer.

“It feels really good, especially because I haven’t played a lot over the last six months so it felt really great to perform well and get a win," he said.

“I just tried to play it point by point and be as positive as possible no matter what the score.

“I wasn’t really trying to think about winning. It felt great but at the same time you don’t want to get too excited because one game can feel quite long.

“I was carrying an injury throughout the grass last year, I had a scan in August and had a stress response in the humerus and a tear in my ab at the start of the year.

“The injuries weren’t ideal but I feel like I’ve learnt a lot from myself in that period as well so I feel like it’s helped me in a way.”

Loffhagen, who was handed a wildcard for Wimbledon Qualifying, 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.

He drew Holger Rune as a wildcard entry in the main draw last summer and those fond memories came flooding back following his statement triumph over Travaglia.

He added: “It’s an unbelievable feeling to play on the grass and to play Wimbledon. It’s special and you don’t feel like that very often, so I’m grateful to have the opportunity.

“I don’t have the same amount of matches that I had last year, which is quite important for confidence, but I do feel like I’m a better play than then.”

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