Isabelle Lacy believes she is getting better and better in every match she plays on grass after starting her Junior Wimbledon campaign with a confident victory.
The 16-year-old, who reached the second round a year ago, was in fine form as she beat Australian Roisin Gilheany 6-4 6-2 in a stylish performance to progress once again.
And it was not only a special day due to the result, with Lacy – who is supported by the LTA’s Men’s & Women’s Programme – handed the chance to play on Court 12 on a busy day at the All England Club.
She said: “I’m very happy. I didn’t know I was going to be on Court 12, so it was all a bit last minute. I loved it and there was so much support. It was really nice to get through my first round.
“I loved it. I thought I’d be so much more nervous walking out, but the crowd were so loud. I really loved it and I’m super happy to get the win.
“I thought my forehand was working really well. I was attacking a lot more with it, I returned pretty well too – I put a lot of pressure on her serving games. I thought I served pretty well too, some double faults started to creep in at the end of the first set but I served it out really well in both sets.
“It’s the best time of the year – I get so excited for Wimbledon. Every year I’m getting a little less nervous. I get so excited for it – it’s just so much fun.”
Lacy has had a breakthrough grass court season, with wins over the likes of Madison Brengle and Viktorija Golubic across the past few weeks.
And, after a strong period of play on the surface, she is ready for even more matches over the coming days.
“I’m feeling really confident. I’ve played so many weeks on the grass,” she added.
“I started off in the UK Pro League and I played five matches straight on the grass, that was really good. “Every match I get more and more confident and beating a couple of the top women has made me feel much more confident, especially still being a junior.”
For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website
