From living in a van to Wimbledon debut: the unlikely rise of Billy Harris
![From living in a van to Wimbledon debut: the unlikely rise of Billy Harris](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b9de1dc9afdbfd867fccc71f90bc837dafa749c6/0_202_2795_1677/master/2795.jpg?width=460&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=369ac968afc5e586d803943a6221bc74)
British No 5 had so little money at start of his professional career he travelled to low-tier events in a Ford Transit
How many players launch their careers out the back of a van? At this year’s Wimbledon, there may be only one. The British No 5, Billy Harris, who last week was awarded a wildcard to compete in the championships, has done it the hard way in reaching his first grand slam at the age of 29.
Ten years ago opportunities were limited. After progressing from juniors to the pro circuit, Harris lacked the cash to tackle tennis the way superstars of the game do. “At the start I didn’t have the money for flights every week,” Harris told the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) last year. “So I thought: ‘Easiest way to get around Europe is on wheels.’”
Continue reading...Date: |
Topics
Filter
-
The Wall Street Journal - World
The WSJ Dollar Index Rises 0.1% to 100.57
The WSJ Dollar Index was up 0.1% to 100.57 — up for six of the past nine trading days. -
CBS Sports - Sports
James Wood debut: What other realistic steps Nationals can take to spur unlikely playoff run
Can Washington make a run without derailing its long-term aspirations? -
The New York Times - Top stories
A Reporter’s Unlikely Path From a Wisconsin Jail to Journalism
While serving a sentence for burglary, I enrolled in a college journalism class. When I interviewed my correctional officer, my world broadened. -
CBS News - Top stories
USS Carney returns from a Middle East deployment unlike any other
For the destroyer's crew, the war between Israel and Hamas turned a routine seven-month deployment to the Middle East into a fight against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who launched drones and missiles from Yemen in support of Hamas. -
CBS News - World
USS Carney returns from a Middle East deployment unlike any other
For the destroyer's crew, the war between Israel and Hamas turned a routine seven-month deployment to the Middle East into a fight against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who launched drones and missiles from Yemen in support of Hamas. -
ABC News - Sports
Aryna Sabalenka withdraws from Wimbledon with a shoulder injury
Wimbledon favorite Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn because of an injured shoulder -
ABC News - Sports
Alcaraz opens Wimbledon with straight-set win, Sabalenka and Azarenka withdraw with injuries
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz had goosebumps walking onto Centre Court before his opening match at Wimbledon -
BBC News - Top stories
Andy Murray withdraws from Wimbledon men's singles
Britain's Andy Murray withdraws from the men's singles at Wimbledon, although he is still set to play in the doubles with his brother Jamie. -
The Guardian - World
Wimbledon 2024: Sinner, Gauff, Alcaraz and Raducanu through – live
Sabalenka blows hole in draw after pulling outGet in touch: email Michael with your thoughtsBBC don’t appear to agree with my judgment. None of the matches I’m into have commentary, and on the main show they’re showing Heather Watson – down 0-2 to ...
More from The Guardian
-
The Guardian - World
Trump seeks to set aside hush-money verdict hours after immunity ruling
Lawyers ask New York judge to delay sentencing while he weighs high court’s decision and how it may influence case. Donald Trump’s lawyers on Monday asked the New York judge who presided over his hush-money trial to set aside his conviction and ...Donald Trump -
The Guardian - World
Viktor Orbán visits Kyiv for surprise talks with Volodymyr Zelenskiy
Hungarian PM, an outspoken critic of aid to Ukraine, makes first trip to country since start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Hungary’s prime minister has made a surprise visit to Kyiv for talks with Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the first trip by Europe’s ...Ukraine -
The Guardian - World
Marine Le Pen says National Rally ‘wishes to govern’ and will only form government if it can act – France election live
Far-right politician says National Rally wants a majority in the national assembly and cannot accept a part in a government in which it cannot act. The National Rally’s Jordan Bardella is debating on social media with France’s economy minister, ... -
The Guardian - World
Israel risking disastrous war against Hezbollah for political reasons, says former US official
Harrison Mann, military expert who quit over Gaza, says ruinous war in Lebanon would pull US into regional conflict. Israel risks going to war against Hezbollah to ensure Benjamin Netanyahu’s political survival, but it would be a miscalculation ...Israel -
The Guardian - World
Cambodia jails 10 environmentalists in ‘crushing blow to civil society’
Activists from the award-winning Mother Nature found guilty on charges of plotting against government. Ten activists from a prominent youth-led environmental group in Cambodia have been sentenced to between six and eight years in jail in a case ...