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Camden Sports - by RICHARD ANDERSON
Published: 18 June 2009

James Ward

James’s warning: Don’t expect Wimbledon debut miracle, says wildcard

TENNIS ace James Ward has urged home supporters not to expect miracles as his Wimbledon debut draws ever nearer.
The 22-year-old British No 4 will find out tomorrow (Friday) who he will face in the opening round of the prestigious competition after being rewarded with a wildcard following an excellent run of form that has seen him climb to a career-high world ranking of 220.
Ward, who was brought up in Eversholt Street in Euston, was in action at the AEGON International in Eastbourne yesterday (Wednesday), where he lost 7-6, 6-4 to Canadian Franck Dancevic in the second round.
“People in this country want you to be like Rafael Nadal straight away and think that if you don’t play like Andy Murray week in, week out, then you’ll never be a tennis player,” said Ward, who lost to 2006 Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis at Queen’s last week.
“Andy is special so people have got to keep it in perspective. I’ve got to keep playing well and hopefully win some more matches and climb the world rankings.”
Ward revealed he is heading to Wimbledon in the shape of his life after enjoying one of the biggest wins of his fledgling career this week when he beat world No 87 Victor Crivoi 6-1, 6-3 in the opening round at Eastbourne
“It is the biggest victory of my career. It’s a big tournament, it’s an ATP main draw and it’s worth 20 points. But it also means that I get more money to enable me to travel for the rest of the year and keep playing,” he added.
“Coming the week before Wimbledon this was an important victory and will help me relax and play my own game next week.”
Life assurance and pensions company AEGON is lead partner of British Tennis and is backing the sport at all levels, from grassroots to world class tennis events.
For tickets and further info visit www.lta.org.uk

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