By LIAM TWOMEY
LISTON Tennis Club’s Matt Reid produced a stunning run through the Wimbledon qualifying event to book his place in the main draw of the sport’s biggest tournament.
The 216th ranked Reid was involved in one of the qualifying event’s most thrilling matches when he defeated 136th ranked Somdev Devvarman from India 7-6 4-6 18-16.
Despite the extra time on court, the win did nothing to slow Reid’s progress as he defeated Amir Weintraub in the second round of qualifying and American Tim Smyczek to book his place in the main draw.
Reid then played world number 45 Radek Stepanek in the first round, going down in straight sets, 6-2 6-2 6-4.
Liston Tennis Club coach Dane Nebel was thrilled with Reid’s performance.
“It was great to see Matt do so well,” he said.
“Stepanek is a tough guy to get in the first round. He is really crafty and grass would be his go. It was a tough first round for Matt.
“It is definitely his best performance so far. If he beats those three guys in a challenger tournament, then he will most likely win it.
“He is only 22, so this is the sort of result can make him believe he can go top 100 and that he can play in grand slams.”
Reid’s Liston teammate Sam Groth was also in the Wimbledon qualifying draw, but was defeated in the second round.
“Sam was a little bit unlucky. The guy he played in the second round … that guy qualified and he won his first round,” Nebel said.
“Groth qualified into Queens the week before and had a three setter in the first round.
“I always say, sooner or later he is going to have a big Wimbledon. That serve will be on and no one will be able to break him. He will qualify and do some damage.”
In what will be a power duo, Groth qualified for the Wimbledon doubles main draw with big serving Victorian Chris Guccione.
