WAKERING’S Ryan Peniston was left pinching himself after securing a ‘crazy’ straight sets win on his Wimbledon debut.
The 26-year ace saw off Swiss star Henri Laaksonen 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 on court number 12.
And Peniston was delighted to triumph in front of a crowd which included a large contingent of supporters from Southend.
“I’m pinching myself really and I’m waiting for someone to wake me up and it’s actually going to be May,” said Peniston, who reached four quarter-finals in succession before arriving at Wimbledon.
“I’m loving every second of it.
“Being here is honestly just a dream come true and to get the win makes it even better.
“This is honestly just crazy for me.”
Peniston, a former Southend High School pupil, broke Laaksonen in the opening game of the match before battling hard to secure a well-deserved win against the world number 96.
And it was Peniston’s fighting spirit which helped to secure the success.
“He’s got a lot of firepower,” said Peniston.
“He can hit winners from anywhere on the court.
“My game is to stick in there and fight.
“That’s exactly what I did out there and it worked.”
Peniston was roared on by his parents Paul and Penny and brother Sam court-side.
But he was certainly not short of support, with a section of fans wearing Southend United scarves to get right behind the former Southend Lawn Tennis Club star.
“I definitely heard them during the game,” said Peniston.
“I had to focus on the match and not get too pumped up with them but it was great.
“After the match it was really nice to hear them shouting Seasiders as well.”
Peniston - who is ranked 135 - will now take on American Steve Johnson in the next round.
And Peniston is looking forward to the contest.
“ I’ve seen a lot of his matches and he can be tricky,” said Peniston.
“He’s a great player but I’m excited for the challenge.”
Johnson advanced to the second round after number 18 seed Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire hurt in the second set.
Johnson is ranked 93 in the world.
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