Jubb relishing Wimbledon experience despite defeat

Paul Jubb’s preparations for Wimbledon were undermined after he lost in straight sets to America’s Taylor Fritz in the Nature Valley International at Eastbourne.

The 19-year-old will make his SW19 debut next week having furthered his profile by progressing to the first round at Eastbourne, with victory in qualification over Russia’s Andrey Rublev.

He appeared tired against Fritz, who largely eased to his 6-2 6-3 firstround victory while breaking Jubb’s serve four times, but will relish the much-needed recovery time before heading to Wimbledon.

“It’s been a tough four weeks,” said Jubb, from Hull, who remains an amateur and at the University of South Carolina. “The grass is a bit tough on the body. Recovery is key right now.

“(It was) another good match under the belt for more experience, and that’s all I’m trying to gain now.

“I’ll just be relaxing and hopefully the legs will get fresher.

“(Wimbledon) is going to be just a great experience and just one that I’m willing to make the most of.

Jubb’s compatriot Cameron Norrie led France’s Jeremy Chardy 3-0 in the opening set of their match when play was suspended.

They will resume today, where the winner will progress to meet British number one Kyle Edmund in the second round.

There was also victory for world number 14 Caroline Wozniacki, via a 6-3 6-4 scoreline over Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium, on the day new world number one Ashleigh Barty withdrew with a right arm injury.

World number three Karolina Pliskova played in the second round, after a first round bye, and secured a routine 6-3 6-3 victory over Margarita Gasparyan.

Liam Broady was the only British winner on day one of Wimbledon qualifying, with last year’s boys’ runner-up Jack Draper among the home players knocked out.

Paul Jubb: recovery time.