RYAN Peniston is setting his sights on more Grand Slams following a second round exit at Wimbledon.

Peniston, who is from Great Wakering, was powerfully beaten in straight sets by American Steve Johnson at SW19 this afternoon.

But the 26-year-old is eager to secure more experiences at the very top of the sport.

“I’d love to play at all of the Grand Slams now,” Peniston told Echosport at Wimbledon.

“I’d like to play in the main draw of them all, that would be great.”

“I want to crack the top 100 in the rankings as well so there are definitely some more boxes to tick.”

Echo: Beaten - Ryan Peniston lost in straight sets to Steve JohnsonBeaten - Ryan Peniston lost in straight sets to Steve Johnson

Peniston, who currently sits 135th in the world, has enjoyed a stunning summer on the grass courts.

The former Southend High School pupil reached four successive quarter-finals, including impressive runs at Queen’s and Eastbourne before being rewarded with a wildcard at Wimbledon.

Peniston impressively beat Switzerland’s Henri Laaksonen in the first round at SW19.

But he was unable to test the hard-hitting Johnson who triumphed 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

And Peniston admitted he had been outplayed on court.

Echo: Out - Ryan Peniston lost in the second round at WimbledonOut - Ryan Peniston lost in the second round at Wimbledon

“I fought during the match but Stevie was just too good for me today and he definitely deserved to win,” said Peniston.

“He’s a tricky player and he’s obviously made the fourth round here before so he knows his way around the grass court.

“He served really well today and was too good for me but I’m very happy with the last few weeks on grass and it’s been an amazing experience for me.”

Not that Peniston is finished at Wimbledon just yet.

The left hander will be teaming up with training partner Alastair Gray in the doubles but their first round tie against Horan Vliegen and Jackson Withrow will now take place today after being taken off yesterday’s order of play.

Echo: Progressing - it has been a great summer for Ryan PenistonProgressing - it has been a great summer for Ryan Peniston

“I was pretty surprised,” said Peniston.

“I saw it just now actually and saw that it was moved to tomorrow.

“I think it’s probably a good thing.

“It gives me a little bit more rest, a little bit more time to get my tactics and to focus a little bit more on it too.”

But, whatever happens, Peniston will always look back on the past few weeks with real fondness.

“I think the last five weeks have kind of been like the best five weeks of my life really,” said Peniston.

“I can’t really explain how good it’s been.

“I think after this tournament it might finally set in a little bit but I want to build on this now and have more good weeks in the years to come as well.”

READ MORE

>As it happened: Ryan Peniston's second round defeat

>Ryan and Alastair Gray setting sights on doubles at Wimbledon