
George Loffhagen left frustated after Wimbledon exit
Loffhagen was returning to the Wimbledon singles main draw for the first time since 2023, when he made his debut, and the world No.293 admitted the magnitude of the occasion got to him.
'I definitely feel there's probably more pressure,' he said. 'You feel more pressure because of the event. I sort of just didn't feel too great playing or the feelings on the racquet. I was struggling a bit with my tennis.'
Despite defeat, Loffhagen took plenty of solace from a strong year on court that has seen him reach his career-high rank and break the world top 300 for the first time.
The 24-year-old impressively reached the third round of the Eastbourne Open, where he beat compatriot Billy Harris before narrowly losing to American Riley Opelka.
'I've done some good work on the practice court, changed a couple of things on my serve,' he added.
'I feel like it's just feeling like I'm improving day-to-day. Obviously, you get confidence with wins in matches and stuff this year.
'I think also just staying fit is a big thing. I feel I've struggled with injuries a bit the last couple of years.
'I feel like that's helped me be on court more, so I've been able to then feel like I'm improving more.'
For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business News Wales
4 hours ago
- Business News Wales
Llanberis Student Aims for Team GB with School's Support
Teenager Toby Sutcliffe is making serious waves in the world of canoe slalom – and his school is behind him every stroke of the way. The 15 year-old from Llanberis, a pupil at St Gerard's School in Bangor, is currently ranked among the top five C1 slalom athletes in the UK for his age group. A dedicated year-round paddler, Toby trains on Llyn Padarn and at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham and has competed in the Junior Slalom European Cup in France and Germany as part of the Welsh Performance Team. He joined St Gerard's aged seven and is about to start Year 11. Balancing elite sport with his GCSE studies, Toby says the school has played a key role in helping him chase his goals. 'My ultimate aim is to reach the highest national division, then Team GB,' said Toby. 'I'd love to make it to the World Championships or the Olympics one day. 'The school has been so supportive — always helping me catch up or send me extra work when I've missed lessons to compete overseas. I'm really grateful.' Wales Performance Squad Toby's passion for paddling began during the pandemic, after his previous interest in ski slalom was put on hold. 'We had access to the lake and tried a few local taster sessions,' said mum Vicki. 'From his very first go in a C1 canoe, he just lit up — the smile hasn't left his face since.' Dad Will added: 'It's great to see St Gerard's backing young athletes. Their support and sponsorship for Toby have made a real difference and the sport needs new talent like him coming through.' Toby is also finding success in kayak cross, a fast, contact-heavy race discipline that debuted at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He reached the semi-finals in Augsburg, Germany, and came third in a recent open event in Nottingham. Sid Sinfield, Performance Manager at Paddle Cymru, said: 'With a strong work ethic and a passion for canoe slalom, Toby is not only competing at a high level for his age but is also on a clear trajectory toward national and international success. 'As he continues to train, travel, and compete, support and sponsorship play a vital role in helping him reach his full potential. 'Funding enables access to top-level coaching, specialised equipment, and travel to key races across the UK and Europe – essential components in the development of a world-class athlete. 'St Gerard's School's backing of Toby is an opportunity to invest in the future of British canoeing and to support a driven young athlete with the talent and determination to go far.' Headteacher Campbell Harrison added: 'We're proud of Toby and all our pupils as they chase their dreams. 'Whether in sport, academics, or the arts, St Gerard's is committed to helping young people achieve their full potential — and we're behind Toby all the way.'


Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Jurgen Klopp could play crucial role to help Liverpool complete Alexander Isak transfer
Jurgen Klopp is now a leading figure at Red Bull and he's central to their pursuit of Harvey Elliott - which could help fund Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak Liverpool remain keen on landing Alexander Isak, who has told Newcastle he wants to seek pastures new - with the Reds already seeing an opening bid for the Swede rejected. They tabled an overall over worth £120million, but that was knocked back by their Premier League rivals. The Magpies value Isak closer to £150m after seeing him establish himself as one of Europe's leading No 9s since moving to St James' Park. Liverpool have already spent well over £200m but could still break the British-transfer record for the second time in a single summer. Their transfer efforts will be aided by more money coming into the club and former manager Jurgen Klopp is now Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull and plays a major role in their recruitment. Bild reports that Klopp is particularly keen to bring Harvey Elliott to RB Leipzig with the Englishman tipped to move on this summer. Despite having options to remain in England the German, who bought Elliott to Anfield back in 2019, wants to lure him to the Bundesliga. Elliott has seen his stock rise this summer after excelling at the U21 Euros with England, where he was named Player of the Tournament. He is being eyed by the likes of Brighton and West Ham, but Leipzig represent a chance for him to head overseas. Liverpool are looking to bank around £50m if they are to let Elliott, who only started two Premier League games last term, leave. That fee would also represent pure profit and further bolster their transfer kitty ahead of a renewed move for Isak. Germany has proved to be an excellent environment for English talent to thrive. Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, who both made their names at Borussia Dortmund, are shining examples of how heading to the Bundesliga can be hugely beneficial for one's career. The 22-year-old acknowledges he needs to be selfish with his next move and said recently: 'If I had it my way, I would be here for the rest of my career, it's as simple as that. I love everything about the club. But at the same time, I kind of need to be selfish with myself and see what's best for me. "I have big ambitions, I want to get in the World Cup [squad], keep being successful as a player. I think it's still something I need to review, I need to have a talk with everyone and review the situation. Obviously we have many new players that have come in, so whether it blocks the path for me, I'm not sure. It's something for me to decide and have a look at. As I said, just review the situation." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.


Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
Josh Taylor not willing to 'play the lottery' with his health as Scottish boxing hero lifts lid on shock retirement
The former undisputed champion of the world hung up his gloves for good last week Josh Taylor admits he could have carried on his boxing career - but it could have came at the expense of his health. The Prestonpans fighter - who reigned as super-lightweight world champion of the world between 2021 and 2022 and the only UK boxer to ever hold all four major belts in a division - announced his retirement from the sport last week after being advised to pack it in on medical grounds. Taylor says he made the decision to call it quits after learning he had suffered damage to his left eye retina in the wake of his loss to Ekou Essuman at the end of May. The 34-year-old - who was also a 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, reveals that he could have carried on fighting if his own-well being did not come first. Speaking to iFL TV, the ex 135-pound champion said: "It was the right decision for my health. I would have loved to continue. "It's all healed up now as I had laser surgery on my eye. They thought they saw a wee tear in my retinal tissue and in the end they found six tears. "So I thought 'right, that's it, I've got to look after my health now'. I probably could have continued but it was a big risk to take. "I was literally one punch away from going blind in that eye. "Could I have continued? probably. But given the risks from what I got told and given what I have achieved in the sport, it's the best decision I have to make for my health. Taylor finished his career with three consecutive defeats to Essuman, rival Jack Catterall and American star Teofimo Lopez. And the Scot concedes he is still coming to terms with putting up the gloves for good. "I've had a couple of weeks to digest it now but it's all still a bit raw and emotional", he added. "It's a big of f****** heartache still but I am getting there. "I have got six belts sitting in my living room that I can sit and look at, think about and be proud of. "I am very proud of what I have achieved for Scottish boxing and to pave the way for the next generation coming through. I feel very proud that I have put it back on the map. "It's still quite raw knowing it's the end and that I haven't gone out on my own terms. "I have had problems with my eye since 2019 and had three operations on it. I'm not playing the lottery with my health anymore."