THE CHAIRMAN of Wythall Tennis Club hailed Lloyd Glasspool’s historic men’s doubles victory at Wimbledon as a ‘proud moment’ for the sport in the area.
Redditch-born Glasspool won the men’s doubles title on centre court at SW19 alongside British playing partner Julian Cash.
The fifth seeds defeated unseeded pair, Australia’s Rinky Hijikata and David Pel from the Netherlands, 6-2, 7-6 in the final.
Victory meant the duo became the first British pair to lift the men’s doubles trophy at Wimbledon since Pat Hughes and Raymond Tuckey in 1936 some 89 years ago.
The duo also made history as the first all-British pairing to win the men’s doubles title at Wimbledon in the Open Era.
Glasspool, who attended Coppice Primary School and Woodrush High School, first became a member at Wythall in his formative years.
The 31-year-old has since gone on to win 10 titles in the professional ranks with Wimbledon his first Grand Slam success.
And Wythall chairman Kevin Turner, who first joined the club as a player in 1992 and became chairman last year, insists Glasspool showed signs of his future potential from an early age.
Turner said: “He joined the club with his parents when he was seven or eight-years-old.
“We’re a starter club, we haven’t got a massive infrastructure, we’ve only got four courts.
“We were part of his early development. He was always on the courts because he was so good.
“You could see the potential, we’re a club that starts players off and we’re very proud that we started Lloyd’s career off.
“You could see with Lloyd very early on, the talent he had, and what you see is what you get, he’s a very genuine person.
“He always kept his feet on the ground, local clubs have a big part to play and we always say to our junior players to look at Lloyd and what he’s achieved.
“It just shows you what’s possible, never say never, you never know what’s around the corner, all you can do is play your best.”
Glasspool spent three years playing at Wythall and practiced regularly at the club before he progressed to Blossomfield Sports Club and Edgbaston Priory Tennis Club.
He has now etched his name into the Wimbledon history books as he and playing partner Cash dropped just a single set en route to becoming doubles champions.
For more information about Wythall Tennis Club, visit: wythalltennisclub.co.uk
