Paul Jubb took the positives from his performance at the LTA’s Rothesay Open in Nottingham despite defeat in the second round to compatriot Jacob Fearnley.
Jubb fought his way back into the match in dramatic fashion after losing the first set 6-1, defying seven match points in the second set to level the contest after a mammoth tiebreak.
The Hull-born player eventually fell to defeat 6-1 6-7(14) 6-3 to miss out on a quarter-final spot but the 24-year-old is happy with the way he is playing heading into the rest of the grass season.
Jubb has already picked up notable victories, including at the Lexus Surbiton Trophy last week, beating top 100 player Alex Michelsen, and believes there is more to come this summer.
“I was happy with the way I managed to get back into the match after a tough first set,” reflected Jubb, who is supported by the LTA’s Pro Scholarship Programme presented by Lexus, the highest level of support for developing players aged 16-24 designed to help them crack the top 100.
“He played really well today. I fought hard and managed to give myself a say and a chance to try and turn it and try and win but not meant to be today.
“I’m in a good place. I felt like I could have gone deeper in both tournaments but the level and consistency I have been playing with has been good and to a good standard so I am giving myself a good chance and I feel like I am progressing every week.”
Fearnley came out of the blocks to breeze through the first set but Jubb refused to lie down and kept himself in the contest by edging a 30-point tiebreak in the second.
The 22-year-old Fearnley eventually got the better of the contest and while Jubb was pleased with his resilience, he admitted his opponent is a fearsome competitor whose ability belies his current world ranking of 525.
Jubb added: “It’s something I try and take pride in, my competitiveness and toughness out on court. I try to make it tough for my opponent if they are going to beat me.
“It’s never over until the last point. Like today, if you hang around you give yourself a chance and never know.
“I know Jacob’s got very good quality and he is a really good player. Obviously hasn’t been playing on the tour, he has been playing in college, but the quality has always been there since juniors. His level is definitely higher than his ranking.”
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