Wimbledon dream over for Emily Appleton after losing to top seed
Sunday 24 June 2018 12:13, UK
Emily Appleton may have lost in the pre-Wimbledon qualifiers but the teenager remains upbeat after an aggressive show against the top seed.
The Sky Sports Scholar has been back in the UK hoping for better luck after drawing the No 1 player in back-to-back tournaments in Florida, not to mention struggling for practice time because of downpours in the United States.
It has been blue skies all the way at the All England Club, and although her second-round opponent proved too strong, Appleton can be mighty proud having also come through the annual media frenzy over a Brit fighting to make Wimbledon.
"The grass season has come to an end for another year (except for a county event in July) but I've really enjoyed getting out and competing and displaying a high level of tennis," the 18-year-old said.
"The pre-qualifying is always a tough event as the best of the British players come together to battle it out for two spots into the qualifying event of Wimbledon.
"In the opening round, I drew Ella Taylor who I beat four days before in Yorkshire. I played a solid match and despite the pressures I played well and came through 6-4 6-3. I was proud to get the first win and was excited for the next match.
"Next up was Tara Moore, who went on to make the final. She was the No 1 seed and ranked WTA 375 so it was a tough draw. I've had quite a few matches against top seeds recently so I had been hoping for some extra luck!
"Nevertheless I still went into the match believing I could win and started really well. My serving was big and I played aggressively which is how I play best.
"After a tough and close battle I lost 6-4 6-2 but I was still so happy with my fight and performance.
"The grass season is always a difficult season while still being really fun. There is a lot of different pressures on the British players to perform but I feel I managed myself well and stayed composed.
"I spoke to my Scholar mentors Jacquie Beltrao and Rob Webster afterwards and they reminded me how much I have youth on my side, that there was no rush, I was learning as I go and the level and experience would come with time.
"I now have a week or two off competing before getting stuck in again. Next I will be heading to Europe - back onto the clay for a few weeks to compete against a whole new crowd!"
