Sutton's Alex Slabinsky admitted it was a case of too little, too late after he failed to qualify for the Wimbledon main draw at the Bank of England Sports Club.
The 23-year-old put up a valiant fight against world number 112 Roko Karanusic and despite taking the Croatian to a tie break in the first set fell 7-6, 6-1.
Slabinsky – who used to train at the Sutton Tennis Academy – had high hopes after cruising past Romania’s Adrian Cruciat 6-4, 6-4 at the start of the week But things didn’t go to plan against Karanusic with the Sutton ace citing a mental block as one of the reasons for his singles downfall.
“The first few games in the second set were pretty close but I seemed to lose it,” said Slabinsky. “He played a bit more aggressive and came into the net and I think I should have responded sooner.
“I only realised what to do when I was 4-0 down so it became a chasing game. I regained it in the end but it was a little bit too late then.
“I lost some close points and then mentally I started doubting myself, doubting the kind of game style I should have been playing and I lost it a little bit.
“I had my chances but once he relaxed he started playing more aggressive and got that confidence behind him – it was a lot tougher for me to respond.”
All is not lost for Slabinsky – with a potential first round tie at the All England Club just one win away provided he learns from his mistakes in doubles qualifying.
Slabinsky and partner Chris Eaton face either Rameez Junaid and Philipp Marx or Flavio Cipolla and Harel Levy in the second round and the Sutton ace admitted the clash can’t come quick enough.
“Although I lost it’s not hard to pick myself up for the doubles to be honest – I’m not too tired and I could go right now if I needed to,” he added.
“I have definitely picked up a few things from the two matches I have played in the singles. I have been trying to play positive tennis all week and all my focus will be on the doubles now.”
Life assurance and pensions company AEGON is lead partner of British Tennis and is backing the sport at all levels, from grass roots to world class tennis events. For tickets and further information visit www.lta.org.uk
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