ParalympicsGB wheelchair tennis star Gordon Reid remains on course for a maiden Paralympic Games medal after booking his place in the men’s singles quarter final at Eton Manor.
The 20-year-old British No.1 showed no signs of nerves as he defeated Sweden’s Stefan Olsson 7-5, 6-4 on Centre Court to reach the last eight.
It was only the second time Reid had beat Olsson in his career following a British Open victory in Nottingham in July and will now face Dutchman Maikel Scheffers in the quarter finals.
He said: “It’s tough to cope with the pressure when there is such a big crowd but I felt they were behind me and used that and just took it one point at a time.
“Lots of my friends and family were here again and I wanted to perform well for them as well as myself.
“I’ve played Stefan quite a few times and I’d only beaten him for the first time this year at the British Open in July.
“It was a tight match and only a few points in it but I think I played the big points well. In terms of standard, I’ve played better this week but that gives me confidence knowing I can still win when I’m not at my best.
“Now I’m going to relax, speak to my coach and get ready for my next singles and doubles matches.”
Reid faces Maikel Scheffers (NED) second on Centre Court on Wednesday.
Britain’s other representative in the singles draw David Phillipson couldn’t join his compatriot in the last 16. He suffered a heavy loss to world no.2 Shingo Kunieda.
Phillpson was slow to get started, losing the first set 6-0. His performance levels rose in the second set cheered on by the home crowd but it wasn’t enough to stop the Japanese player win the final set 6-2.
In the women’s draw Lucy Shuker went out at the quarter-final stage. Holland’s world no.3 Jiske Griffioen proved too strong for the Taunton player, winning 6-4, 6-2.
Shuker was back on court hours later with doubles teammate Jordanne Whiley. This time it was all smiles for the British pair as they won in straights sets over Germany’s Katharina Kruger and Sabine Ellerbrock.
After their 6-3, 6-3 victory they are now one win away from competing in a Paralympic final.
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