Tennis prodigy Flora Johnson surprised to reach Wimbledon second round
Putney prodigy Flora Johnson admitted she surprised herself with her performance after reaching the second round at a windswept Wimbledon.
Back in the girls' draw for the second time in as many years, Johnson took down Sarah Melany Fajmonova in straight sets, downing the Czech starlet 6-1 6-3 to become the first British junior to advance at SW19, boys' or girls'.
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Johnson and Fajmonova had actually gone head-to-head in the French Open earlier in the season, with the latter winning out in Roland Garros.
This time it was Johnson's turn to celebrate, but the 18-year-old admitted she hadn't expected to perform as well as she did, not least in such blustery conditions.
'It feels amazing,' said Johnson. 'I adapted quite well to the conditions. The wind was tricky and playing someone with a big serve on the grass was pretty difficult so I had to manage that and play with the wind.
'It was a bit surprising because I lost to her at Roland Garros. I wasn't expecting much but grass is my favourite surface. I feel I play pretty well on it. I had that confidence and the fact that the crowd was behind me made it pretty good.'
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Johnson recently finished taking her A-Levels, in which she studied Maths, Economics, and French.
She plans to study at the University of Ohio in the United States on a tennis scholarship later this year but until then, Johnson has vowed to give it her all as she targets a winning farewell to home shores.
'It's very exciting to be here at this time of year with all the grass court tournaments,' added Johnson. 'It's definitely something I won't forget.
'I've been enjoying my time on-court because it took my mind off exams. I didn't really come with many expectations because I just finished my A-Levels ls so haven't been playing as much and this is a last hurrah.
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'I'm just trying to play to make everyone proud. They all worked so hard to help me, my family and coaches. I play for them and to enjoy it out there.'
For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website.
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