British No 5 had so little money at start of his professional career he travelled to low-tier events in a Ford Transit
How many players launch their careers out the back of a van? At this year’s Wimbledon, there may be only one. The British No 5, Billy Harris, who last week was awarded a wildcard to compete in the championships, has done it the hard way in reaching his first grand slam at the age of 29.
Ten years ago opportunities were limited. After progressing from juniors to the pro circuit, Harris lacked the cash to tackle tennis the way superstars of the game do. “At the start I didn’t have the money for flights every week,” Harris told the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) last year. “So I thought: ‘Easiest way to get around Europe is on wheels.’”