Lightning struck twice for Liam Broady as he prevailed in a grass court encounter against familiar opposition to reach the Wimbledon second round.
The Stockport player and world No.142, who is supported by the LTA’s Pro Access Programme, faced Constant Lestienne on Monday – an opponent he had beaten in their only previous meeting on grass, at the LTA’s Rothesay Open Nottingham in 2022.
And once again it was the 29-year-old who looked the most comfortable on the surface, dictating from the baseline and moving around the court with ease.
The third set proved more tricky, with world No.74 Lestienne serving for it at 5-4 up, but Broady rallied and claimed the last three games to seal a 6-1 6-3 7-5 triumph on Court 15.
“The last four, five days I think I prepared really well,” said Broady.
“I felt great yesterday going to bed. I don’t normally sleep well before matches, but I slept well yesterday. I kind of felt like I was ready. I think the performance showed that today.
“It’s my first-ever straight-sets win at Wimbledon, so well done to me!”
Broady faces an immense challenge next, in the form of fourth seed Casper Ruud.
Ruud has been as high as second in the world rankings and has reached the final of three of the last five Grand Slams, though has never made it past the second round at the All England Club.
Broady added: “Casper has a beast of a game. He absolutely rips the ball. He’s a physical beast in his own way.
“I think it will be a fantastic opportunity. This is the reason I play tennis, to get these opportunities.”
For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website
