Hamish Stewart is channelling Ted Lasso as he chases his dream of qualifying for Wimbledon.
The Strathblane star progressed from the first round of qualifying after opponent Valentin Vacherot retired injured in the second set of their contest in Roehampton.
The Monegasque led by a set with the score poised at 6-5 on serve in the second before he was forced to concede, keeping Stewart’s hopes of reaching the main draw alive.
It is the Scot’s first attempt at qualifying for the main draw of a Grand Slam, and fictional football manager ‘Believe’ Lasso’s is the watchword of his campaign in London this week.
“It’s not the way you want to win but equally delighted to have got through,” he said.
“I can take a lot of belief. When I got into the rallies, I felt comfortable, I was feeling pretty relaxed.
“It’s about believing I belong at this level. Belief is something I have tried to work on a lot with coaches.
“As much as you say you believe you belong, this is the first time I am playing at this level. There’s a lot of belief that if I can pull it together a bit more in return games, I can do some damage.”
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The world No.550 faces Luca van Assche, ranked over 350 places higher, in the next round. Victory against the Frenchman would leave him one win away from Wimbledon’s main draw, a world away from the tournaments Stewart is currently used to.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a good season on the ITF Futures circuit – the third tier of men’s tennis tournaments – and came through a qualifying event just to reach Wimbledon qualifying.
And the Strathblane native, who currently trains in Stirling, is soaking up as much of the Wimbledon experience as he can while he remains fighting for a coveted main draw berth.
“I had a very good start to the year and then I cooled off a wee bit,” he added.
“Fortunately, I have come good the last few weeks and the Wimbledon wild card play-offs was a huge confidence booster. I was probably more nervous for that than for this to be honest.
“I am unknown by a lot of players; on paper the pressure is on them. I am the underdog for every match and that can loosen me up.
“My journey on the Futures tour has had some highs and some lows. This tournament is something else, it is so different to what I have ever experienced.
“I have loved every minute; how well we are treated, the resources, it has been unbelievable.”
For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website.
