An article in our local rag offers a bit more background info on Ryans past year.

RYAN Peniston insists centre court at Queens is quickly becoming his favourite court but it faces stiff competition from closer to home.

The Great Wakering ace secured another shock success at the cinch Championships this afternoon, beating world number 37 Ugo Humbert in straight sets.

And, having reached the quarter-finals at Queens last summer, Peniston thoroughly enjoys lining up in west London.

Its pretty tough for me to say at this point that its not my favourite court, said Peniston.

Ive definitely had some amazing emotions out there and had so much fun on that court.

But centre court at Thorpe Bay and Southend Lawn, theyre tough to beat as well.

Peniston saw off top seed Casper Ruud and Argentine Francisco Cerundolo on centre court at Queens in 2022.

And he continues to relish the atmosphere created by a home crowd.

Coming out on the court youre always nervous but I felt less nervous than I was last year which was a nice thing, said Peniston.

I feel like I was able to enjoy it a bit more this time just because I kind of knew what to expect.

I had some fun at the same time and the atmosphere was great.

Peniston posed Humbert throughout the match with a variation in pace on his shots.

And the 27-year-old is pleased to be back at full fitness after injuring his wrist shortly after his success at Queens last year.

Its been quite a difficult year, said Peniston.

After the last grass season I had quite a bad injury to my wrist which was tough to take but I learnt a lot.

I had an injury to my right wrist basically due to playing a lot of matches on the grass and it was heavy conditions.

The human body breaks down sometimes and thats what happened to me.

And Peniston found the situation tough to take.

I was out for six, seven weeks not doing anything, and then the wrist injury lasted for about 17 weeks in total, said Peniston.

There were low points not being able to play the sport I love and it was tough but I learned a lot during that time.

Peniston is now able to train and play at full tilt but continues to make sure he remains in the best possible condition.

I have learnt quite a bit about my body from the injury, said the former Southend High School pupil.

Physio treatment and taking care of myself is a high priority for me now, especially during this time.

Im using what I have learnt and Im going to try and do that the best I can.

Peniston will now face American Maxime Cressy or number two seed Holger Rune in the second round.

Runes match will be first on centre-court tomorrow with the winner due to face Peniston on Wednesday.