24-year-old remaining upbeat despite defeat in AEGON Challenge yesterday (Thursday)

TENNIS: HARPENDEN sensation Edward Corrie was delighted with his week’s work at the AEGON Challenge in Nottingham despite an agonising loss yesterday (Thursday).

The wild card entry had come through a titanic three-set battle in the first round to record his first ever victory on the main tour.

But the 24-year-old was unable to close out a thrilling encounter against Slovakia’s Grega Zemlja, eventually losing 4-6, 6-3, 7-6.

It was a match that ran over two days after rain halted play on Wednesday night with Corrie leading 6-2, 2-5. Zemlja, the number six seed, tied up the second set with minimal fuss on the players’ return to Centre Court.

Corrie fought his way back into the match from a break down in the final set but was unable to finish a close tie break.

Nevertheless, he only had positive things to say following the match’s conclusion.

“The week has definitely been a success for me,” he said. “To get my first ever senior victory has given me a lot of confidence going forward.

“My first round match was hard but I knew this would be even tougher. Zemlja’s ranking is far superior to mine but I matched him stroke for stroke. There were a lot of tough rallies and it was very windy which made it tricky for serving.

“I thought the break in the match may have helped me because he seemed to start off quite slowly and then get better as it went on.

“I’ve actually only just graduated from the University of Texas so I’m really just beginning – and this has been a good way to start. I am aiming to get better with each match.

“Looking forward I hope to get a wild card for the Eastbourne qualifiers and maybe Wimbledon. Wimbledon wasn’t on the radar at the turn of the year but if I did get a chance to qualify for the main draw that would be amazing.”