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Camden Sports - by NICK CLOWES
Published: 25 June 2009

James Ward

Wildcard Ward vows to return

RISING tennis star James Ward insists that his first round exit at Wimbledon on Monday will only serve to make him hungrier for glory next year.
After being handed a wildcard in order to make his singles debut at the All England Club, the 22-year-old was taught a tennis lesson by world No 7 Fernando Verdasco, losing in straight sets 6-1, 6-3, 6-4.
Far from discouraged by his performance, Ward, who grew up in Eversholt Street in Euston, is already relishing the chance to compete on the famous manicured lawns next year.
“It was my first grand slam appearance and my first at Wimbledon so, of course, I was going to be a bit nervous going into the match,” said Ward, who is currently ranked as the British No 4.
“But I’ll look back on this as a great experience and hopefully I can learn from it and come back a stronger player next year.
“It is games like this that I play tennis for. I’d much rather be playing a top player on the show courts than playing on court 15 in front of 20-odd people.
“I got better as the game went on and I can take a lot of heart from that. Verdasco is a top player and he played the big points well, as you would expect.”
Ward has vowed to take his big-match experience on to the lower-ranked Futures Tour and continue his rise up the world rankings.
“Next year I want to get into Wimbledon off my own back without the need for a wildcard. I’ve had some really tough matches on grass this year but there is nothing I can do about the draw.”
Life assurance and pensions company AEGON is lead partner of British Tennis and is backing the sport at all levels, from grassroots to world class tennis events.
For more information visit www.lta.org.uk

YOUNG aces from Islington Tennis Club were rewarded for their efforts throughout the season on Wednesday when they were taken to Wimbledon to see the
professionals in action. Michael Copus and Roberto Preka were among the players treated to a trip to Centre Court, where they got the chance to watch Roger Federer beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in straight sets. They were fresh from their own trophy success after helping Middlesex win the under-10s County Cup at the weekend.
Kentish Town schoolboy Brandon Drew (above left) was also at court side as he took a break from what is proving a successful summer, in which he has already won four Middlesex club tour events.

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