GB’s Klugman, 15, beaten in Wimbledon qualifying
British schoolgirl Hannah Klugman missed out on reaching the main Wimbledon draw as she lost her final qualifying match.
The 15-year-old, who grew up playing tennis close to the All England Club, was beaten 6-3 6-3 by American Alycia Parks.
Klugman, ranked 623rd in the world, needed one more victory to seal her place at Wimbledon, which starts on Monday.
She broke early in the first set, but could not maintain the momentum against her 23-year-old opponent, who is ranked 583 places higher.
There was better news for Britain’s Sonay Kartal, 22, who qualified with a 6-3 6-1 win over Russia’s Erika Andreeva.
Meanwhile GB’s Amarni Banks, 21, was beaten 6-3 6-0 by Canadian Marina Stakusic
Match too far for Klugman
Klugman had won her two previous qualifying matches at Roehampton
Current US Open champion Coco Gauff became the youngest modern-day Wimbledon qualifier at 15 years and 122 days in 2019.
Klugman was just eight days older when she faced Parks, and made a dream start by breaking her serve in the opening game.
But Parks broke straight back and was on top from then on, despite the home support for Klugman, hitting 20 winners to six for her opponent.
“She’s a great player and I just kept telling myself to stay focused and keep calm,” said Parks.