Parker learns lessons from Wimbledon qualifying loss

Jersey ace Stuart Parker was encouraged by his display in a Wimbledon qualifying loss to Alexander Ritschard.

Parker, who benefits from the LTA Top 25 program which allows access to NTC courts and facilities for the 25 highest ranked British players in the ATP/WTA rankings and has also benefited from the LTA’s enhanced performance competition schedule who have provided the UK with more tournament opportunities this year, fell 4-6 6-1 6-2 to the Swiss.

Although he admitted there was some disappointment, the 24-year-old was happy with his progress after pre-qualifying to reach this stage.

He said: “I think I started very strong. I gave myself a lot of chances. I put together a break right away and I was playing some good stuff, felt pretty comfortable on the court.

“Second set and third set, I gave myself a lot of chances, a lot of break points, I couldn’t take them. I’ll look at that, why I couldn’t take them, stuff like that .

“I think overall it’s a positive step. It’s disappointing, but I think it showed that I had the level to play.

“I had to go through the pre-qualifiers, I had to win them, which, in fact, was a good thing because to win three matches I felt quite comfortable and I felt that I deserved to be here.

“It was a good script for me.”

Having now experienced qualifying, Parker now wants to push to reach this stage more regularly at Grand Slam tournaments.

“For me, it will be about trying to get on the Challenger Tour more regularly, playing in the Challengers main draw and then preparing for Grand Slam qualifying,” Parker added.

“Those are my goals, my next steps.”

For the latest action on the UK summer grass season see the LTA website

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