Ryan Peniston hungry for more matches against very best

Peniston lost 6-3 6-4 to second seed Holger Rune on centre court, ending his attempts to replicate his superb run to quarter-finals a year ago. 

The 27-year-old went on to beat Rune at Eastbourne before sealing a first win at Wimbledon following last summer’s run before injury halted his progress. 

And now Peniston is eager to test himself against those at the very top more often after losing to world No.6 Rune, who has developed significantly as a player since the pair’s last meeting. 

He said: “I was happy with how I competed. I was pleased with how I fought and sometimes it just doesn’t go the way you want. Hats off to Holger, he played a clean match today. 

“The more matches I get to play against these guys of that level is a positive for me. It is about trying to get used to that level and playing those guys, it’s great and it makes me want to do it more. 

“I am looking to get my ranking as high as possible. Hopefully after the grass season I compete and rise up the rankings like I want to. 

“It felt like he was more comfortable on the grass today [than a year ago].  

“He served really well, I didn’t get much look into any of his service games and his attitude was great, he seemed pretty composed and hats off to him and he has improved quite a few bits of his game.”

Ryan Peniston is beaten after a battle with No.2 seed Holger Rune at the #cinchChampionships #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/1ceMlZB08i

— LTA (@the_LTA) June 21, 2023

Peniston fought valiantly against the Dane but struggled to find a way through as Rune failed to concede a single break point opportunity. 

But Peniston was upbeat despite defeat and is looking forward to continuing his grass court season at both Eastbourne and Wimbledon, after receiving a wild card entry for SW19. 

“I am over the moon, it is awesome news I am so pleased,” he said of receiving his wild card.  

“There were points last year when I had my bad injury I didn’t know what the future held so to be sitting here and to be playing at Wimbledon in a couple of weeks is amazing.  

“I had some really tough times, I had thoughts of never being able to be back here or Wimbledon. I am really happy to be able to compete at these places again. 

“It is a high priority for me to stay healthy and be able to compete after the grass season. 

“I am looking to get my ranking as high as possible. Hopefully after the grass season I compete and rise up the rankings like I want to.” 

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