The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Angus ace Jonny O’Mara qualifies for Wimbledon.
Angus man gets ready for wildcard doubles chance at famous tournament
Courier Country tennis fans have another big reason to look forward to Wimbledon after Angus ace Jonny O’Mara landed the biggest opportunity of his career with a wildcard entry to the famous tournament’s doubles event.
The Arbroath 22-year-old is Scotland’s second-top ranked tennis player behind Sir Andy Murray.
And despite a world singles ATP ranking gulf of more than 500 places, O’Mara is determined to make a memorable return to the hallowed turf where he enjoyed junior success.
And he revealed how the SW19 chance capped a rollercoaster couple of hours for the six-footer, after seeing the chance of qualifying for the Wimbledon singles agonisingly slip from his grasp.
Right-hander O’Mara has been enjoying a fine spell on the international Futures pro circuit, with a host of singles wins and even more success in doubles with Jersey 23-year-old Scott Clayton – who he will partner when things get under way on Monday July 3.
O’Mara’s bid for a singles spot had progressed through the first round of qualifying before a second round defeat left the Angus talent utterly deflated — only for disappointment to turn to elation when the wildcard call-up to the main doubles draw came.
“I’m absolutely thrilled and can’t wait to get out there,” he said.
“Whoever we get in the draw it will be a great learning experience, win or lose.”
Jonny’s father, David, spoke of his pride while recalling his son’s performances in his run to the last 16 of junior Wimbledon.
“He’s got a good history on grass. It just suits his game so we’re absolutely over the moon that he’s going to have this opportunity,” he said.
“We’ll now wait to see what the draw brings. It would be fantastic for him to play the best players in the world but it would also be nice for them to try and go on a bit of a run.
“The doubles really suits him. He loves being part of a team and he also loves the big atmosphere — the bigger the better for Jonny, so Wimbledon will suit him.”
“He did so well there as a junior in the past and it will be fantastic to see him back.”
David said the local reaction had already been spectacular, with Arbroath Tennis Club among the first to congratulate the home town hero on his selection.
“When he does get time to come home he still goes down there, plays occasionally and is always welcomed.
“He may have been born in Keighley, but he is so proud to be from Arbroath and he makes sure everyone knows that,” he added.
He may have been born in Keighley but he is so proud to be from Arbroath and he makes sure everyone knows that