GORDON Reid hopes the London crowd can inspire him to emulate Andy Murray by being crowned the year-end world's No 1 wheelchair singles player when the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters get under way at the Olympic Park in London this Wednesday. The 25-year-old from Helensburgh, already Wimbledon champion and Olympic gold medal winner in singles this year, currently sits second in the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour but can steal the top spot from France's Stephane Houdet of France if he wins this tournament. He is currently also the world's third best doubles player.
“It has been an incredible season – one that has gone by in a bit of a flash," said Reid. "I’ve loved every minute so far and hopefully I can end it on a high in London. I know the world No.1 ranking is at stake.
“Right now I’m feeling pretty good and relaxed, though nothing is guaranteed when you are competing at the highest level," he added. "Expectations were high at Wimbledon where I did well and in Rio I again played well. If I go out and play strongly next week I’ve got a chance, but I know there are eight very strong world-class players in the mix so it will be very tough. I’ll definitely have to play my very best tennis if I’m to win it."
“Whether it’s Nottingham, the Masters or Wimbledon, it’s brilliant playing in front of crowds that are closest to my home in Scotland. Last week you could see how the crowd got behind Andy Murray for his ATP World Tour Finals win. Hopefully, we can also get good crowds next week, with people coming to cheer on the British players and inspire us to a similar result! I really enjoy playing in front of home crowds and I’m looking forward to getting the matches started.”
Reid will be joined by his English doubles partner Alfie Hewett in the men’s singles with fellow Brits Andy Lapthorne (quads), Lucy Shuker and Jordanne Whiley (both women’s singles) also competing.
Tickets for the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters are available from £1. For details visit www.wheelchairtennismasters.com
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