By Jonathan Green

Bromley’s Sean Thornley refused to be downcast despite seeing his Wimbledon championship doubles dream, alongside David Rice, ended by Australian pairing Alex Bolt and Andrew Whittington in Roehampton today.

Thornley and Rice battled bravely in qualifying but had no answer to their Aussie duo, eventually losing 6-3, 6-2.

The Bromley Tennis Club star felt he had left numerous key-points out on court but vowed to return better for his experiences.  

Thornley said: “They were too good.

“Alex Bolt on the deuce side of me played unbelievably and Whit as well came up with some really big shots and points.

“It’s just what happens on the day.

“All the pairs in qualifying are as good as each other.

“We beat Whit two weeks ago in Nottingham and they beat us pretty easily here which is obviously very disappointing.

“I think the returns proved to be the difference. Bolt was returning unbelievably and they were both serving well as well.”

He added: “We didn’t take our chances in the first set when we had break point in three of their service games and they broke us when they had their chances.

“That’s the difference in doubles, sometimes it comes down to one or two points.

“There are plenty of positives to take as a pair from this week.

“We played well in the first round and had a good win against a strong pair.

“You never know what could happen in the main draw.

“We’re going to be in the top four alternate spots so if a few injuries come about and, I don’t wish an injury on anyone, some people pull out then we will be ready to go.”

Thornley admits it’s now back to the drawing board as he looks to right the wrongs of his Wimbledon elimination alongside Rice.

He explained: “We’ve enjoyed playing on the grass.

“We play on the grass as much as everyone else even though some people think British tennis players play on the grass all the time. We love playing on the grass and being out in the nice British weather.”

Thornley added: “We’ve just got to keep working hard and get back next year and hopefully get in the main draw.

“We’ve enjoyed the experience and to get the chance to play against some top players at home, it’s not often you get to play in London.

“Playing at Wimbledon is obviously the dream, so we’ve got to keep working so we get down the road at SW19 and don’t have to get there via Roehampton.”

As the official banking partner of the championships, HSBC is helping fans get closer to Wimbledon by giving them the chance to win Centre Court tickets.

For more information, visit wimbledon.com/hsbc

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