Jan Choinski took a big win in the first round at the All England Club. The Brit was on a wild card and was against Dusan Lajovic.
Jan Choinski scores big win on debut
Brit Jan Choinski was given a wild card into his first Grand Slam main draw at Wimbledon. The 27-year-old was against an old hand at Grand Slams, Serbian Dusan Lajovic. The pair had never met before on the main tour as Choinski usually frequents the ITF/Challenger Tour levels.
As the lower ranked player, the Brit had nothing to lose. The Brits love an underdog, so this match was one for the crowds. Those with a ground pass who could get into Court 17 were in for a treat. Choinski arrived on the court to warm applause, a very British thing. However, Lajovic kept him and the crowd waiting for five minutes before getting to the court.
The Serbian showed why he was higher ranked by breaking the Brit immediately. However, Choinski showed no nerves as he broke straight back. The Brit stayed with the Serbian for most of the first set. Unfortunately, Lajovic edged the first set.
Comeback is on
Choinski didn’t lose his nerve after losing the first set. The Brit matched Lajovic game for game in the second set, forcing a tiebreak. The Brit then managed to secure the mini break and the Serbian couldn’t get back in. The match was evenly poised.
Boosted by this the Brit, who by now had a crowd growing at his match, easily claimed the third set. Lajovic, who favours hard and clay courts, was struggling to keep pace with Choinksi. The 27-year-old Brit was now on top, and continued to cause trouble for the Serbian. Lajovic couldn’t handle the pace of the match and Choinski soon joined his compatriot wild cards Liam Broady and Jodie Burrage in the second round.
Brits long for success at their home Grand Slam. We had a very long wait for a Men’s singles champion, but it is 10 years ago since Andy Murray won his first Wimbledon title. The last game of that match was very tense and seemed to last years, but eventually the Brit secured a long long awaited victory.
With Day 1 wrapped up, Brits already have players to cheer for in the second round. Day 2 sees more try and match that, including Murray, who faces another British wild card in Ryan Peniston. One will definitely be in the second round.
Main Photo Credit: Peter van den Berg/USAToday Sports
