Gill embraces Wimbledon crowd despite qualifying defeat

Felix Gill loved playing in front of a passionate home crowd after his Wimbledon qualifying campaign came to an end against Gastao Elias. Redditch ace Gill, who is a member of the LTA's Men's & Women's Programme, through which the governing body provides a range of support to players aged 16-21 with potential to progress towards competing in Grand Slams and representing Great Britain in Davis or Billie Jean King Cup, was beaten 7-6 (10) 5-7 6-3 by Elias in a hard-fought contest on Monday night. Ad/> After a busy few weeks the 20-year-old admitted that his body was fatigued towards the end of the contest, but said he relished playing in a lively atmosphere.

TennisMcHugh revels in Wimbledon pressure to progress to next round of qualifying26 MINUTES AGO Gill commented: «It was really hot, and a really good atmosphere. There was a lot of people supporting me and a lot cheering me on, and having a few conversations with a few people when I'm getting my towel. »It was really good.

Even though I lost, I just loved it. It was really nice. I felt loved! «My opponent was good.

I had a couple of chances in the first set, a couple of set points which I didn't manage to take. I went a break down early in the second and then managed to fight my way back in the second set and take it. »It's been a tough few weeks, so in the last set my body wasn't physically there.

My ball speed was just a little bit lower and against these kind of guys, they punish you for that." Despite a hectic few weeks, Gill is planning to see if there are further opportunities to play over the next few weeks before taking some time off. He said: «I'll see what opportunities come in the next few weeks, and then rest and recover, maybe take some time out. I'll see