Hutchins crashes out but is confident over future (From Surrey Comet)

Hutchins crashes out but is confident over future

3:34pm Friday 25th June 2010 in Wimbledon By Stuart Amos

Wimbledon's Ross Hutchins crashed out of the men's doubles at SW19, before insisting he is not far from making a major impact at the top level.

The 25-year-old and partner Jordan Kerr lost 6-7,6-7,3-6 to 11th seed Spaniards Tommy Robredo and Marcel Granollers in the second round, having ruthlessly dispatched British wild cards Alex Bogdanovic and Alexander Slabinsky in the first.

It means the world number 63, who plays with Anne Keothavong in the mixed doubles later today, is still to progress beyond the first week at the All England Club in six visits.

But the former KCS Wimbledon student, a visibly better player than 12 months ago, says it is a matter of time before he impresses on the biggest stage.

“It is never easy at Wimbledon because this is the one everyone is looking to peak for,” he said.

“I'm not that bothered about my ranking fluctuating between 30 and 60 as long as my game is improving.

“I'm playing more high ranking tournaments and regularly playing against the top guys.

“Last year was a bit up and down, but this year I have played consistently well and a big result is just around the corner.

“I've worked really hard over the last year and I don't think I'm far away from a big performance.”

Hutchins and Kerr were unable to find away past the big serving Spanish team and only one break of serve in the third set proved costly.

“It was disappointing to lose, but they are a strong pair and I think there was a lot of high quality tennis,” added Hutchins.

“They are better than 11th seeds. They served very impressively and I don't think they missed a ground stroke all day - that was the difference.

“It is frustrating because the experienced players always seem to find a way through. I'm still young and have plenty of time to improve.”