Lloyd Glasspool says it’s ‘crazy’ to return to Wimbledon alongside doubles partner Harri Heliövaara as seeds – having entered the main draw as wildcards a year ago.
Birmingham’s Glasspool, who benefits from the LTA’s NTC Access programme, providing cost-free access to courts, coaching, trainers and the LTA’s tournament bonus scheme, and his Finnish partner beat Lorenzo Musetti and Hugo Gaston 6-3 6-3 6-4 in the opening round on Wednesday.
A year ago the 28-year-old and Heliövaara reached the third round as wildcards, though are 15th seeds at the All England Club this year.
In 2022 alone they have reached three ATP Tour finals – including at the LTA’s cinch Championships two weeks ago – and the French Open quarter-finals.
“It’s crazy. Even thinking about it, it’s wild,” said Glasspool on his seeded status.
“It obviously shows what a good year we’ve had and we’re in form, so we can only take confidence from it. It’s a dream come true, being a seed at one of the biggest tournaments in the world.
“The Montpellier final was really fun. We played two Frenchies [Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert] in France and the crowd was amazing, it was a full stadium. The French Open, it was a good run to the quarter-final we had there. That was really special.
“I don’t think there’s much pressure. Being a doubles player, there’s not much extra attention but I’m just enjoying the confidence that comes with it and the slightly easier draw – avoiding the other seeds in the first two rounds, that’s a big positive.”
Glasspool and Heliövaara were in complete control of their opening round encounter, not dropping serve once in a clinical display.
It was this that most pleased the 29-year-old, who believes he and his partner can achieve another strong Slam run if they can maintain their recent form.
Glasspool commented: “I’m always pleased to win at Wimbledon. It’s super special to play in front of all your family, all your fans. I’m really happy with it and looking forward to the next round.
“We played two good singles guys so they’re very good returners and didn’t lose serve the whole match, so I just think the ability to hold serve the whole match is good.
“We’ve gone quarters of a Slam before now, so we know we’re capable of another, but we’re going to take it match by match and not get ahead of ourselves.”
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