LLOYD Glasspool realised a ‘childhood dream’ after winning the men’s doubles title at Wimbledon, creating history in the process.
Glasspool, who grew up in Wythall, became Wimbledon champion on centre court alongside British playing partner Julian Cash.
The fifth seeds defeated unseeded pair, Australia’s Rinky Hijikata and David Pel from the Netherlands, 6-2, 7-6 in the final.
Victory saw the duo become the first British pair to lift the men’s doubles trophy at Wimbledon since Pat Hughes and Raymond Tuckey in 1936 some 89 years ago.
The duo also made history as the first all-British pairing to win the men’s doubles title at Wimbledon in the Open Era.
And the 31-year-old, who attended Coppice Primary School and Woodrush High School, admits his victory at SW19 is only just starting to sink in.
Glasspool exclusively told the Standard: “It’s definitely sinking in, the first few days were just hectic with celebrating and press non-stop.
“Now it’s really starting to sink in. It’s just super cool, achieving a childhood dream.
“Once the final point landed and went off the court it was amazing. It was just a massive sigh of relief.
“There was so much stress and pressure building over the course of the two weeks. It was just an amazing feeling with the crowd all on their feet and cheering.”
Glasspool spent three years playing at Wythall Tennis Club before later advancing to Blossomfield Sports Club and Edgbaston Priory Tennis Club.
And the new British number one in men’s doubles hopes his success can inspire the next generation of tennis players in the area.
Glasspool added: “Hopefully it can inspire a couple of people. Hopefully it’s a bit more relatable so people don’t think these dreams are unachievable or out of reach.
“Always knowing or knowing of someone that’s done something you want to do makes it much more believable.
“Hopefully I’ve reached out to some of the younger generation and kids in the area. Even if their goal is not to win Wimbledon, no matter what it is, hopefully that can inspire them to achieve whatever goals they have.
“You’ve really got to enjoy it [would be my advice to young players]. Don’t take it too seriously but also always ask for information and tips. You can always get better.
“Even now, I’ve just won Wimbledon but I need to go out and work on a few things and get better.
“Just having that humbleness and wanting to get better, striving for the next step, rather than thinking you’ve got it all.”
Wimbledon marked the first Grand Slam success of Glasspool’s career and his 10th ATP career title.
And Glasspool admits he did not believe he would taste victory at his home Grand Slam until the last couple of years.
Glasspool said: “As the years have gone on, definitely [winning Wimbledon was possible]. We’ve been getting closer and closer, the confidence has been growing.
“I’ve also seen a few of my ex-partners or good friends win Wimbledon. That gives you confidence that it’s not too far away for you as well.
“But other than the last two years, you never really believe it until you do it right?”
Glasspool only started playing with current doubles partner Cash last year as the pair won the Japan Open in October 2024.
The duo are now on a three-tournament win streak after triumphing at Wimbledon, Eastbourne and Queen’s.
And Glasspool admits the partnership with Cash came about following a third round exit at Wimbledon in 2024.
He said: “It was a pretty random one as well, my partnership before that ended at the end of Wimbledon a bit out of the blue last year.
“He was in a partnership but it was kind of coming to its end. We always trained together and knew each other.
“We got together and spoke and we liked each other’s game styles and we worked with the same coach as well.
“We went out to Asia for out first trip and we won our second tournament together. It’s been all up from there.”
