Tennis

Defeated Lu leaves with happy memories

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-07-01 10:22

LONDON - Taiwan's Lu Yen-hsun's trouncing by third seed Novak Djokovic on Wednesday will not prevent him taking only happy memories away from Wimbledon.

Taiwan's Lu Yen-hsun reacts in his match against Serbias Novak Djokovic at the 2010 Wimbledon tennis championships in London, June 30, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

He knocked out three-times finalist Andy Roddick on Monday to become the first Asian player to reach a grand slam quarter-final since Japan's Shuzo Matsuoka 15 years ago at Wimbledon.

But he just could not maintain that intensity against Djokovic who was in the form of his life, winning imperiously 6-3 6-2 6-2.

Lu, a Taiwanese chicken farmer's son who had endeared himself to the Wimbledon crowds, refused to be downhearted after his drubbing by Djokovic.

"It is a great memory to think about," said Lu whose Wimbledon fan page was bombarded with a torrent of support from across Asia.

"It's is great for me. Now I know I can reach the quarter-final. It is a good experience for me," he said, his self-belief not dented by defeat.

After his strongest grand slam showing, Lu looks set to soar into the top 50 in the world rankings from his current position of 82.

Crowds warmed Lu when he looked to the skies, seeking on-court inspiration from his late father, who died 10 years ago.

On Wednesday, there was nothing the 26-year-old could do to counter Djokovic.

"He played very good today. For my side I always tried my best. Of course he's a great player. He give me a lot of pressure today," Lu conceded.

He was thrilled with the way his success has been greeted back home. "I make history for tennis in Taiwan," he said.

"I am happy to see the people sit together and support me."