British tennis star Jack Pinnington Jones was knocked out of Wimbledon on day two after just 25 minutes on court. The 23-year-old wildcard entrant lost to American No. 28 seed Brandon Nakashima in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(5), 7-5, on Court 18.
Match Suspended on Day One
Pinnington Jones had been trailing Nakashima 6-3, 7-6(5), 4-3 when his match was suspended due to bad light on Monday. He was forced to return on Tuesday afternoon to complete the contest, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed as he lost the third set 7-5.
The British player was part of a home contingent that endured a torrid first day at the All England Club. Eleven British players were in action on Monday, and 10 of those were consigned to defeats — the most ever in a single day. Pinnington Jones avoided being part of that record because his tie was suspended.
Wildcard Entry and Ranking
Pinnington Jones was handed a wildcard by Wimbledon chiefs after reaching round two last year, where he lost to eventual quarter-finalist and recent French Open finalist Flavio Cobolli. He is currently ranked No. 145 in the world.
British Success on Tuesday
There were rays of sunshine for British tennis on Tuesday as Katie Swan became the first home favourite to reach round two, beating Irina-Camelia Begu 6-4, 6-4. Swan described the win as the biggest moment of her career.
She said: "I honestly think it's probably number one today. It was pure relief being able to finish that match, especially being 40-Love up and then being pegged back and saving breakpoint and being able to get over the line. It means so much."
Swan added: "It's been a rough few years for me, getting back to a point where I can play a slam again. I played Begu here eight years ago, and that was the last time I won a match here. It's kind of full circle to play her again and win again today. So it means a lot."
First Male Player Through
Arthur Ferry later became the first male British player through to round two, coming from behind to beat Damir Dzumhur 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 on Court 16.
