Naiktha Bains gave full credit to opponent Viktorija Golubic after her Wimbledon Qualifying campaign came to an end in the second round.
Leeds player Bains faced a tough test in the form of 29th seed Golubic, an Olympic silver medallist in doubles and a Wimbledon quarter-finalist less than two years ago.
Ultimately it was the Swiss who fought her way into Thursday’s third round, battling from a set down to defeat the Brit 3-6 6-3 6-2.
And afterwards, Bains praised her opponent for the level she was able to bring to court in Roehampton.
She said: “I think I started well, got off to a 3-0 lead, but then found myself at 3-3. To be honest, I don’t think either of us were playing our best at the beginning but I managed to find a way through in the first which was important.
“Honestly, I think she stepped it up and she played very well for the rest of the match. You can’t afford to let your level drop against a player like that because she’ll take the chances you give her. She did that, and she didn’t let me back in. Credit to her for playing well.
“From the beginning of the second set, she became a different player. She all round served better, hit better, and at times there was not much I could do to be fair.”
It has still been a positive week for Bains who, after receiving a wildcard into the qualifying draw, defeated Katarina Zavatska in an impressive opening round performance.
And her Wimbledon dream is not over yet, with the 25-year-old having received a wildcard into the main draw of the women’s doubles alongside Maia Lumsden.
The duo played together at the All England Club last year, and Bains is excited about a return to SW19.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on court there with my partner Maia,” she added.
“We had a fun experience last year winning a round, so hopefully we can do better this year. I just can’t wait to be there.”
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