Tour win is joy for Josh (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Tour win is joy for Josh

8:20am Friday 19th June 2009

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BASINGSTOKE’S Josh Goodall admits it’s back to the drawing board after crashing out against Ivan Ljubicic at the AEGON International in Eastbourne.

The British number three was unable to keep pace with the big-serving Croat, a former world number three, who dominated their second round tie, winning 6-3, 7-5 on Tuesday.

However, it has been a groundbreaking week for Goodall, who claimed his first ever win on the ATP Tour when he beat Japan’s Tatsuma Ito 6-4, 6-1 in the first round on Monday.

And the Basingstoke ace revealed he’s determined to make his mark at Wimbledon, which begins on Monday, after an impressive couple of weeks on grass that have also seen him reach the semi-finals of a Challenger event in Nottingham.

“I played really well but had a few dips,” Goodall said. “You can get away with those dips at a lower level but when you come and play on tour you’ve got to be at the top of your game all the time.

“It was a big confidence boost to play a player of that standard and compete and stick with him for long periods. I know how good I am, it’s just a case of showing it and doing it.

“Every match I’ve played at tour level has been very similar and it’s only a few things I need to work on to get myself into the top 100.

“I’ve played a lot of good players and I’m not getting thrashed. I’m only losing by one break so with better concentration and shot selection I’m sure I can shoot up the rankings.”

Goodall, the world number 201, is planning to spend the next few days playing and training at Wimbledon as he looks to fine-tune his game ahead of the tournament, which he has been given a wildcard for.

“My coach Jeremy Bates and I will get on the courts at Wimbledon and just work on a few things,” the 23-year-old added. “Depending on the draw at Wimbledon then I can keep my concentration and I’m sure I can do something, assuming I don’t get Federer in the first round.

“It’s such a special tournament. Everyone watches it on TV and most people only think of tennis in terms of Wimbledon.

“It’s the one everyone wants to win and I’m no exception. It’s a real chance to put myself on the map and hopefully I’ll be able to take it.”

Leading life assurance and pensions company AEGON is lead partner of British Tennis and is backing the sport at all levels, from grass roots to world class tennis events. For tickets and further information visit www.lta.org.uk

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