Peniston reveals comfort was key in Humbert Queen’s victory

Peniston, 27, defied the 228-place rankings gap between the pair with a dominant performance on centre court as he bids to replicate his run to the quarter-finals a year ago.

The Southend-born player overcame current world No.4 Casper Ruud and world No.19 Francisco Cerundolo on his breakthrough surge to the last eight 12 months ago, before winning his first Grand Slam match at Wimbledon just weeks later.

Injury has halted Peniston’s progress since then, but Peniston sees no reason why he cannot use familiar surroundings to kick on again.

“It is pretty tough to say that it’s not my favourite court,” he said. “I have had some amazing emotions out there and had so much fun out on that court.

“Coming out on court you are always nervous, but I felt less nervous than I was last year which is a nice thing.

“I feel like I was able to enjoy it a bit more as I knew what to expect and could have some fun at the same time.

Ryan loves Queen’s ❤️

Home favourite @ryanhpen notches his first tour-level win since Wimbledon last year!@QueenTennis | #cinchChampionships pic.twitter.com/UwYhZ0j63F

— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 19, 2023

“It feels great to win, anytime of the year. I am trying to do my best and take each match by itself. I am enjoying myself and why not try and win every one I can.”

The British No.7 missed over four months of tennis following his superb grass court season last year due to a wrist injury.

Peniston had seen his ranking rise to as high as world No.123 following a fairy tale home summer but has seen himself slip back down the ladder following his injury.

But the Essex player revealed he learned plenty of lessons during his time in the treatment room and is now raring to fire himself back into the world’s top 150.

He reflected: “It has been quite a difficult year. After the last grass season, I had quite a bad injury to my wrist which was tough to take but I learnt a lot and I was really excited to come back here and play and I am really happy with the result.

“There were definitely low points, not being able to play the sport I love was tough. After reaching a career-high ranking I was feeling great and just wanted to push on, but my body wasn’t able to.

“That was something I had to accept and deal with, and it gave me more motivation to come back again this year.”

For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website