Charlie Robertson reckons Henry Searle’s historic Wimbledon triumph has catapulted the standard of British boys’ tennis to greater heights.
And after knocking out the ninth seed to book his place in the third round, the Scottish star now hopes to follow in the 18-year-old’s trailblazing Grand Slam footsteps.
Searle, 17 last summer, became the first British player to win the boys’ singles at Wimbledon for 61 years with an unforgettable run to glory at the All England Club.
One year on, Dundee-born Robertson has now advanced to the last 16 with a battling three-set triumph against highly-rated Korean Jangjun Kim.
Robertson, also 17, was forced to do things the hard way and recovered from a one-set deficit to clinch a brilliant 4-6 7-6 (3) 6-3 victory on Court 4.
And speaking after booking a third round date with Dutch player Rees Rottgering, he said: “Henry is a similar age to me and to have boys that push each other is amazing.
“It’s a massive source of inspiration for us.
“Him winning Wimbledon was unbelievable and I think that’s pushed everyone to get better, which can only be a good thing for British tennis.
“I’m buzzing to get over the line – it wasn’t an easy one out there today.
“I thought I did well to hang in there – I don’t think I was playing too great so to get that second set, fight and get the job done makes me really happy.”
Robertson will be joined in the last 16 by fellow British player Mark Ceban, who edged a three-set thriller against Korean Hoyoung Roh later in the day.
Ceban, 15, is two years younger than Robertson and is emerging as one of the stars of the championships after his stunning first two victories.
Both players have been roared on by raucous home crowds and looking ahead to his clash against Rottgering – who shocked seventh seed Hayden Jones in his second round match – Robertson added: “I’ll take it match by match but every match I want to win, so we’ll see how it goes.
“I have my brother, sister and mum here – hopefully even more will come down for my next match.”
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