Not one to keep an eye on his own facts and stats as his career draws to an anticipated close this summer, his mum Judy told him pre-match that this was his 1,000th match on tour and the five-time champion at Queen’s raised his level for the occasion and for the adoring British crowd. He beat Aussie qualifier Alexei Popyrin – ranked 81 places above him – in three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, for a valuable first-round win.
A first victory at tour level since the hard courts of Miami in late March, when he injured his ankle, and a first victory since switching racket from Head to Yonex. Even in the twilight of his time in the professional arena, he is keen to discover any means of gaining an edge.
“I’ve not got too many wins this year, it’s been a difficult season,” he said afterwards. “But I came through it… any win you can get is important, that’s why we’re playing. With Wimbledon a few weeks away, I want to build up some confidence and get some matches in my legs, I’m proud of the way I fought.
“I didn’t realise before the match that this was my 1,000 match on tour – a lot of matches, a lot of wear and tear in the body, it’s not easy but pushed through it.”
Denne historien er fra June 19, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
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Denne historien er fra June 19, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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