Fairytale goes on at Queen's
Ian Flanagan today pulled off another major upset at Queen's - and then put his Wimbledon hopes in jeopardy.
The 22-year-old Welshman, who beat Romania's Victor Hanescu 7-6, 6-3 this morning, has pulled out of the playoff competition for an SW19 wildcard.
The decision means the new rising star of British tennis will only play at Wimbledon if the All England Club deem him worthy of special treatment.
Flanagan, who is ranked No 866 in the world, followed yesterday's victory over Wimbledon runner-up Mark Philippoussis with a win today that puts him in the last 16 and sets up a clash with Sebastien Grosjean which now takes priority.
He said: "I have decided not to go. It was a professional decision. I have got a few niggles in my body and I want to sort those out and give it my best shot tomorrow. The wildcard is now out of my hands."
Flanagan had been due to meet Oliver Freelove at Raynes Park this afternoon. The Lawn Tennis Association makes recommendations to the All England Club for Wimbledon's eight wildcards.
Four have already been dished out, while the winner of the playoff tournament at Raynes Park gets a fifth. Three others are discretionary.
LTA performance director David Felgate said: "The play-off system was put in to raise standards. Noone has ever doubted Ian's ability but one tournament does not make a ranking or a year."
