Wimbledon: Sibling rivalry across the net
Naomi Broady came unstuck in her first grand slam main draw match when she lost to Anne Keothavong under blustery conditions yesterday on Wimbledon’s court 12.
Broady, who is ranked 216 in the world, 103 places behind her compatriot Keothavong, said she was ‘gutted’ at her performance.
While Naomi may not necessarily feel positive about her performance on the hallowed grass of the All England Club, she should be pleased by her progress so far this year which has seen her world ranking rise higher than ever before with her occupying the 4th spot among female tennis players in Britain.
The women’s game in the United Kingdom is undergoing something of a renaissance and Naomi is a vital part of an upcoming group of young women making up that new strength in depth.
She said: “A lot of people think there is a big rivalry between us all, especially players of a similar age or ranking.
“As much as we all want to achieve our own goals we have grown up around each other at tournaments so we feel happy for someone when they do well.
“It inspires you to see other girls doing well because you know you can do the same.”
Like her younger brother Liam, Naomi spent a lot of her early career at The Northern where she played for the women’s team in the National Club League.
“As tennis is an individual sport it can be nice to play in teams sometimes.
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“There were times when I was the youngest on the team and the older players would always help you with advice.”
Naomi, who started playing at age seven, said her older sister Emma had played until Naomi started to beat her.
It seems that sibling rivalry continues between her and younger brother Liam, a tweet made shortly after Liam’s first round success at Wimbledon read: “Well done to @Liambroady today! So proud of you! Still can't beat ur big sis though :p xx.”
Naomi said: “Liam is playing really well at the moment and of course this keeps me on my toes.
“I can't have him taking all the limelight so I'll keep on working and steal some from him! Lol.”
Liam and Naomi can be seen from time to time practising together on the courts at The Northern.
“We still practise together when we're both home at the same time though this isn’t too often anymore.
“There is a sibling rivalry between us where neither wants to lose so it probably brings the best out of both of us.”
'GUTTED': Naomi Broady lost to Anne Keothavong despite her valiant efforts
Thank you!
Really impressed to see this! Wasn't expecting it at all, but I'm glad someone is giving Naomi some press. She deserves a lot more credit for the hard work and effort she's put into improving her game. It wasn't her day on Tuesday, but that doesn't mean it never will be. If she carries on playing ad passionately as I've seen her play this year and in years past she will absolutely end up as the star she deserves to be.
She seems very down to earth and pleasant here as well, it's genuinely nice to hear a little more from her than the usual one line reaction interview the papers give her.
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