MANCHESTER CITY fan Liam Broady took the best year of his life to a whole new level with the biggest win of his career.
The British No 5 had never beaten a player ranked in the world’s top 10 before but overcame fourth best player on the planet Casper Ruud in an epic match 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3 and 6-0.
ReutersLiam Broady knocked out Casper Ruud at Wimbledon[/caption]
GettyHe will now advance to the third round[/caption]
Broady’s partner Eden Silva was celebrating his win
City fan Broady had spent the past few months worshipping Norwegian No 9 Erling Haaland as his football team won the Treble.
Now he is the darling of Centre Court after beating the Norwegian No 4 seed.
And he was cheered on by his stunning partner Eden Silva throughout his epic victory.
It really was a Ruud awakening for Haaland’s compatriot.
Rather than play any competitive matches on grass before Wimbledon, the three-time Grand Slam finalist had spent the time golfing, shooting and dancing at gigs.
One of the concerts he attended was by The Weeknd. Now he finds himself out of the tournament before Friday.
Ruud received treatment on his right foot towards the end of the fourth set and may well have been impaired in a one-sided final set.
But Broady deserved all the credit in the world for a gutsy, clever display against a player who has made no secret of not liking the surface.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
The Stockport ace, 29, has matched his achievement of reaching the third round last year.
Whatever happens, it will be hard for the diehard City supporter ever to match 2023.
Broady’s stunning girlfriend Silva threatened to steal the show during the match.
And she could be seen celebrating Broady’s win at the end of the match along with Liam’s tennis playing sister Naomi.
Broady said: “Before I went to bed last night I was having a think about what I would say if I won the match.
“Now I don’t know what to say.
“It’s a pretty terrifying, exhilarating experience coming out on Centre Court.
“It’s been my dream since I was five years old.
“I said to my mum this morning, ‘I know you don’t like watching, but I’ve already won 80 grand this week so you can chill out’.”
Broady is now guaranteed £131,000 and will play Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, the No 26 seed, in the third round.
Broady, 29, said: “Denis is a mercurial talent and one of the best players in the world, like Casper.”
A member of the crowd shouted: “So are you!”
Broady added: “He’s an amazing player.
“But with a crowd like this, why not? Why now have a go again?”
Wimbledon 2023 LIVE: Point-by-point action, results and news from the All England Club
Wimbledon betting special: Tips, predictions and odds