Tennis: Wimbledon exit fires up Fleming

Jul 2 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

LINLITHGOW’S Colin Fleming is refusing to let his Wimbledon disappointment ruin his season after crashing out of the men’s doubles at the first hurdle.

Fleming and fellow Brit Ken Skupski looked to be cruising through to the second round as they led by two sets at the All England Club.

But after losing a tight third set tie-break against unseeded Johan Brunstrom and Jean-Julien Rojer, the duo fell apart and eventually lost 7-6, 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 4-6.

Doubles-specialist Fleming had been making great strides on the tour with Skupski this season, reaching the final of the AEGON Trophy in Nottingham before progressing to the quarter-finals at Queen’s Club earlier this month.

“I think if we keep putting in the performances that we know we can, there is no reason why we can’t keep going from strength to strength,” said Fleming.

“We’ve had a great run – a breakthrough almost – and it has given us a lot of belief. We said the whole way through the run that we would stay positive and play with a lot of energy.

“Our aim next year is to be back here qualified on our own merit rather than having to pick up a wildcard. We are matching and beating a top players.”