Wimbledon witnessed Switzerland strike the first psychological sporting blow to England in the run-up to football’s Euro quarter-final showdown on Saturday.
I am certainly a little bit disappointed, but honestly just immense sense of pride to be able to play here and push him pretty close
Charles Broom
Home debutant Charles Broom has become the first home player to be swept out of the men’s singles at this year’s Championship.
Wild card Broom, from Hertfordshire, gave three-time Swiss triple Grand Slam champion champion Stan Wawrinka, 39, a scare by establishing a 5-2 lead to level the match in the second set of their first-round encounter.
But Broom, 26, a Rothesay International finalist at Nottingham after beating British No.3 Dan Evans last month, wobbled.
And former French Open winner Wawrinka went on to complete a 6-3 7-5 6-4 victory in 109 minutes to become only the tenth male 39 or over to secure a victory at the tournament.
British No.11 Broom, world-ranked 248, though, reckoned he has learned lessons.
The St Alban’s native said to the media: “I am certainly a little bit disappointed, but honestly just immense sense of pride to be able to play here and push him pretty close.
“I think I had a fair few chances in that second set. Even losing the third I felt like I was coming back in the middle a little bit. It was probably just a little too late. I had those chances even on his serve. I think I hit a return that was probably a couple of inches wide. It felt pretty good off the racket, that’s for sure.
“I could feel the momentum starting to shift in the game at 5-3, and I knew that was an important one.
“It was an amazing experience above all else. I’ve played in front of big crowds, but that’s probably the biggest. I look forward to doing that more as hopefully my career progresses. I try not to view it as losing, but learning.”
Stan Wawrinka returns against Charles Broom during their men’s singles tennis match
(Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images)
Broom was roared on by friends. He said: “A couple of them came to me before the match,” said Broom. “I saw he was wearing an ‘I love Charlie Broom’ shirt. I was like, ‘Mate, you have to take that one off. You can’t.’ But he stuck with that one on, which was nice.
“They loved it. Certainly, I want to spend some time with them and make them feel like they’ve had a good journey.”
Quotes from Eurosport and the Herts Advertiser
