SOUTHAMPTON's tennis ace Jan Choinski leaves Wimbledon with more confidence and belief than ever before after a landmark few days at SW19.

After a first-ever Grand Slam win against Dusan Lajovic in round one, Choinski – who qualifies as British through his Southampton-born mother – was handed a tough test against 2021 Wimbledon semi-finalist and former junior doubles partner Hubert Hurkacz.

The 17th seed at the All England Club this year, Hurkacz has a game tailormade for grass and brought some imposing tennis out to Court 18 on Thursday.

However, Choinski impressed throughout and certainly had his chances in the third set, before the Pole was eventually able to close out a 6-4 6-4 7-6(3) victory.

“I felt like I was playing good tennis,” said Choinski. "The match was very competitive.

"We played for over two hours - I think the first two sets were decided each by one break.

“I tried my best. In the third set when I had the three set points, I’m sad about not making those, but that's tennis. That's life - I'm happy with the way I performed today.

“I kept it as close as possible. Having chances to win a set off a guy that's top 20, previously been top 10 in the world, played semi-finals here as well.

“It doesn't get much better than his level in terms of tennis and grass-court tennis. He's shown in the past that he's a great grass-court player.

“Keeping the match quite close and having my chances to take a set off him, as well, is just positive.”

Choinski’s run at the All England Club is the just reward for the work put in by him and his team over the past 12 months.

The 27-year-old was ranked outside the world’s top 600 last year having struggled with multiple injuries and illness, but is now approaching the top 150 of the ATP Rankings. And despite all he has achieved so far, he isn’t ready to stop yet.

He added: “We've been working hard for many, many years. Especially after my injuries to get to a point to compete at a good level.

“We played so many matches to just get the ranking to a point where I can easily play Challengers again. Then from then on, always tried to get into a higher level of tennis, playing 250s, and playing some qualifiers of the bigger tournaments.

“Now, I’m playing the most important tennis tournament in the world - we've come a long way. I hope it doesn't stop here. I hope we just continue rising in the rankings and making my name even more.”

For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website