Liam Broady ‘grateful’ to win at Wimbledon again after almost quitting tennis

Liam Broady is happy he decided not to call time on his tennis career after posting a first Wimbledon win in six years.
The 27-year-old beat Marco Cecchinato 6-3 6-4 6-0 to register just a second ever SW19 victory and first since 2015.
Broady, ranked 127 in the world, is used to playing the majority of his career in the tennis backwaters of lower-level tournaments and a poor run of form several years ago saw him question his future in the sport.
Asked why this result has been so long in coming, he replied: “I mean, to be honest, I’m the first person that feels that way.
“But I look back now and it’s a longer journey than I thought it would have been. Obviously maybe I messed around a lot more than other people might have done who were sort of similar ages to me, my peers.
“But if I hadn’t have done that, would I know what I know now? Would I be in the same position I am now? Who knows. One thing I am is grateful I’m in this position again because I nearly stopped playing tennis. At the end of the day I’ll take what I can get.
“I played some pretty bad tennis over the years. But probably the end of 2018 I was pretty close to hanging the racquets up.”
Having survived break point in the opening game, a crucial break at 4-3 allowed him to take the first set.
The match was decided in the latter part of the second set as, after holding off Cecchinato in two of his own service games, he got the crucial break to lead 5-4.
Serving to go 2-0 up he had to fend off another attack on his serve, saving three more break points to eventually take the set.
That broke the Italian’s spirit and the third set was a rout, with Broady setting up a tie with either ninth seed Diego Schwartzman or Benoit Paire in the next round.
“Six years is a long time in a tennis career,” Broady added. “Obviously I think it was in 2019 I made the last round of qualifiers, I was two sets to love up, ended losing in five, which was a bit of a heartbreaker.
“So it felt good to put this one away in straight sets today. I just wanted to try and get it done as quickly as possible in the third, keep him down. He was a little bit upset, which made it easier with his level and stuff.
“But six years is a long time. I mean, I did play Andy (Murray) the year he won it in the first round and (Milos) Raonic as well. A bit of a better draw this year than those two.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Australian Open
John McEnroe questions Iga Swiatek’s emotional state after Australian Open exit
John McEnroe suggested world No 1 Iga Swiatek needs to rediscover a stable mindset to get back to winning ways.
-
Australian Open
Russian fans display pro-war symbols and banned flags at Australian Open
Russian fans have been questioned by police over flags and symbols displayed at the Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
John McEnroe on whether Novak Djokovic gets the respect he is due
John McEnroe has given his verdict on the lack of respect being shown to Novak Djokovic.
-
News
Novak Djokovic fuelled by 2022 tribulation as title march continues
The Serbian brushed aside Andrey Rublev to set up a clash with Tommy Paul.
-
News
Wimbledon 2023: Men’s doubles matches to be abbreviated
The change puts Wimbledon in line with the other grand slams.
-
News
Australian Open day 10 wrap: Novak Djokovic rolls towards 10th Melbourne title
The story of the 10th day of action from Melbourne Park.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic pays tribute to Roger Federer: ‘Tennis misses him
Few sports can match tennis in how great rivals can also have huge respect for one another, like how Novak Djokovic hailed Roger Federer.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic reaches Australian Open semi-finals after outclassing Andrey Rublev
The nine-time champion Novak Djokovic set up a clash with American Tommy Paul for a place in the final.
-
Australian Open
Tommy Paul gets better of Ben Shelton to reach Australian Open semi-final
Tommy Paul claimed a 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Ben Shelton on Rod Laver Arena.
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas hails Mark Philippoussis’ influence on Australian Open credentials
There is a growing belief Stefanos Tsitsipas will break his Grand Slam duck in Melbourne this week, with a local favourite in his camp.