Goodall dreaming of a Centre Court date (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Goodall dreaming of a Centre Court date
8:00am Thursday 21st June 2012 in Sport By John Boyman
Josh Goodall.
BASINGSTOKE tennis ace Josh Goodall is dreaming of a Centre Court date against one of the sport’s top players as he waits to find out who he will face at Wimbledon.
The draw for the 2012 championships takes place tomorrow and Goodall, who has been handed a wild card into both the singles and doubles at the event, is itching to play one of the big names on a show court.
He said: “An absolutely perfect situation would be to play a South American clay court specialist in the first round and then one of the big guns on Centre Court after that. To play on Centre Court would be unforgettable.”
Whoever he ends up playing, Goodall is in confident mood going into the event after reaching the final round of qualifying for the AEGON International at Eastbourne.
The 26-year-old beat Edward Corrie 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round before getting the better of Oliver Golding in the second, coming back from losing the first set to win 0-6, 6-4, 7-5.
That set up a final qualifying round match against top seed Matthew Ebden on Sunday.
Australian Ebden, who is ranked 74 in the world, won the first set 6-3 but Goodall, the world number 220, hit back to take the second on a tie break.
Goodall served for the match in the final set but failed to make the most of his opportunity and Ebden won on a tie break to progress to the main draw.
Goodall said: “I played some good tennis against a guy ranked 74 in the world.
“It would have been my best win so I am positive going into Wimbledon and know that I am capable of beating people with that sort of ranking.
“On grass, I think I go in as a player that people know can play great tennis.
“My aims do depend on who I play but there are some draws where I will go in thinking I am favourite.
“I have to be realistic. If the draw throws up Nadal or Federer I only have a small chance of winning – but strange things happen.”
Goodall is currently on the lookout for a sponsor as he looks for financial security so he can concentrate on his tennis.
Anybody interested in supporting him should email joshjake99@gmail.com
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