Does Ceban have a wildcard into Junior Wimbledon. Pretty exciting times in both the men's and the women's side, with a few really good talents breaking through or looking to break through in the next few years
It would be very strange if he was not included in the wildcard list - had he been ranked higher he would have been eligible for a Special Exempt.
Three British boys have won this in the past (James Marsalek and Liam Broady in consecutive years then Jack Pinnington Jones in 2021) and others have made the final (including Andy, who lost to Monfils) bit this is the first time since the tournament started in 1996 that we've had two boys in the singles SFs!
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GB on a shirt, Davis Cup still gleaming, 79 years of hurt, never stopped us dreaming ... 29/11/2015 that dream came true!
Charlie Robertson has beaten the 7th seed Max Mrva 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 to make the final against Rafael Jodar of Spain (who beat Mark Ceban in the other semi).
Fantastic week for both Charlie and Mark with both set to post their best points counters!
Charlie set to rise to mid 30s just behind Viktor Frydrych.
There is a sprinkling of illustrious names amongst finalists here, including Alex Zverev and Andy Murray, but only Denis Shapovalov has gone on to win both Roehampton and Wimbledon in the last decade
SF
Rafael Jodar (ESP) d. (WC) Mark Ceban 6-3 6-4
Charlie Robertson d. (7) Maxim Mrva (CZE) 6-4 1-6 6-1
F
Rafael Jodar (ESP) v Charlie Robertson
Doubles SF
(1) Brunclik / Kim (CZE/KOR) d. Gusic Wan / Jefferson 6-4 6-2
Sorry was super busy when I got back yesterday evening so couldn't give an update then. I first watched Mark's match and thought he played well overall but was struggling to make first serves whilst his opponent held more easily throughout. Mark did break his opponent in the second set but then immediately was broken back and I think that was the turning point, preventing a third set. Having said that it is still so impressive to see Mark who is 2 years older. Mark had a big frame and will only continue to grow. he has certainly shown how good he could be so an excellent week and lots of points. Now time for him to recover for wimbledon... excited to see how he gets on there!
I also watched the last set of Charlie Robertson. From what I saw he completely dismantled his opponent and kept his cool much better than his opponent who was arguing with the umpire and shouting in frustration. Robertson just got on with it, getting everything back and moving his taller opponent around. Also has a good accurate serve despite his smaller height and moves so well with clean hitting. What a week he is having and now he is through to the final! Could be a turning moment to propel him much higher up the rankings.
Overall a very enjoyable couple of days and a chance to see players that I can't usually see on TV/ video streams!