George's Wimbledon dreams bite the dust
8:16pm Thursday 2nd July 2009 in Sport By Staff Sports Reporter
GEORGE Morgan was left downbeat after his Wimbledon campaign was ended by a controversial line call yesterday.
The Bolton ace and doubles partner Lewis Burton thought they had won a marathon four-hour boys’ doubles tussle with Spain’s Carlos Boluda-Purkiss and Venezuela’s David Souto.
But their celebrations were cut short when a line official ruled out a seemingly good winner.
Their rivals, both ranked in the world’s top 50, took advantage of their obvious dismay to break at the next opportunity and then serve out the match for a 7-6, 5-7, 17-15 win.
“I saw the chalk fly up and my coach said it was definitely in,” said Morgan.
“We lost some concentration after that which is something we have to work on — but we were very upset.
“I feel we won the match — it’s probably the most disappointed I’ve ever been in my career so far. We played so well and that is what is so frustrating because we deserved to be in the next round.”
However, there were positives for the 16-year-old former Rivington and Blackrod High School pupil.
“It’s the longest match I’ve ever played in and I thought my fitness held up,” he said. “I’m really pleased with how I served but our returning needs some work.”
Morgan will now spend the summer on his travels, competing in the European Championships in Russia before representing Great Britain in the Summer Cup, a team event for top teens across Europe.
He will collect his GCSE results in August and plans to relocate to the Lawn Tennis Association’s National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.
But first he will spend the weekend hoping to cheer on Andy Murray to a historic victory.
“What Andy is doing here is such an inspiration,” said Morgan.
“He is a great player and we are so fortunate to have someone like that in our country.
“I work a lot with Greg Rusedski and he’s been a great help to me with advice and assistance. I haven’t spoken to him about the match yet but I’m sure I will soon.”
Leading life assurance and pensions company AEGON is lead partner of British Tennis and is backing the sport at all levels, from grassroots to world class tennis events. For further information visit www.lta.org.uk
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