This is only the beginning for Kimchi
TENNIS SHAVIT Kimchi, 17, says she loved her first outing at Wimbledon and cannot wait to return.
Kimchi, 17, bowed out 6-2, 6-2 in 56 minutes on Court Seven against Charlotte Owensby in the first round of the Girls’ Singles.
“I didn’t play my best,” said Kimchi, who is something of a novice on grass courts. “My opponent was too strong and I was a little nervous.”
Kimchi is one of the top hopes for Israeli tennis. She said: “I’ve only played two tournaments on grass prior to Wimbledon. I came here straight from Roland Garros and the courts are much faster than I thought.
“I really like Wimbledon.
I prefer it to Paris. Everything is so pretty and there are so many people here. I’ve never seen so many people in one place. It’s very different from any other tournament.
A product of The David Squad — a self-funded, non-profit elite academy focused on producing Israeli tennis champions — Kimchi thanked chairman David Coffer and Chief Executive Adam Coffer for helping her make her debut at the London grand slam. “They’ve really helped and supported me,” said Kimchi. “I wouldn’t be here without them. “Six months ago, I didn’t think I would be able to compete here. I’ve really had a great few months.”
In the main draw, Diego Schwartzman, the 24th seed from Argentina, missed out on a four-round meeting with Roger Federer after losing a five-set thriller against Matteo Berrettini, the 17th seed from Italy.
Jonathan Erlich refused to be drawn on his future after losing in the first round of the Men’s Doubles. Erlich and Artem Sitak were beaten in straight sets by Manuel Gonzalez and Haracio Zeballos.
“They were good players and they did a good job on the important points. We just didn’t have the edge to win,” said Erlich.
Now 42, Erlich said he is enjoying his tennis and will finish the season. “For now, I have ten days at home to recover and spend time with my family in Israel before going to the USA for more ATP competitions,” said Erlich. “My wife is happy for me to continue playing. We have a good life and although the sacrifices are big we are happy, and my body is holding up well at the moment.”