Paul Jubb hopes he has found the right balance to reach Wimbledon, after claiming victory in the first round of qualifying.
The Hull native beat world No.122 Thiago Augustin Tirante 6-3 6-2 in blustery conditions to keep his dream of reaching the Grand Slam for a fourth time alive.
The 25-year-old made the first round last year before reaching a career-high ranking of 180 but has endured a difficult 2025 season so far to slip back to 260.
But Jubb is confident a new set-up behind the scenes will help him reap the rewards of his hard work, starting with another trip to Wimbledon’s famous lawns.
“It is just great to get through the first round,” he said. “There were a lot of nerves going into the match, during the match I don’t feel like I felt settled.
“It was really tricky to time the ball and get the contact I was looking for, but I know he felt even more uncomfortable than me out there today.
“Recently I have simplified a few things, and I have the right people around me. I feel like I have been rebuilding a little bit recently. I know what I am capable of.
“If I have to drop a little bit and work my way up, that’s what I have to do. I know the level I can produce.”
Jubb produced a controlled performance on the show court in Roehampton, adapting well to the wind to get past his Argentinian opponent.
An early break in the first set gave him control of the contest, and while he initially missed his chance to serve out the match in the second, an immediate break back got the Hull player over the line.
Jubb must win two more matches if he is to reach the main draw of Wimbledon, with Italian Giulio Zeppieri his next opponent.
The 25-year-old will have the backing of the British crowd along the way, something he relishes on his return to the grass courts each summer.
“I always feel like I always have a good support system from the crowd,” he added.
“Even when I was at the US Open, I had a good fanbase over there but in front of the British crowd it is great to win.
“They want to see us do well, getting over the line and hearing them cheer, it means a lot to me.
“When you’re growing up as a kid, that reaction when you win is what you envision. Actually doing it is a nice feeling.”
For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website