Gille cruises to first round win at Wimbledon
Published 12:32 pm Tuesday, July 11, 2023
- Contributed Photo Gille and doubles partner Joran Vliegen cruised to a first round win at Wimbledon.
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Gille/Vliegen earn straight-set win over O’Connell/Djere on Sunday
London, England – After numerous weather delays, ETSU alum Sander Gille was finally able to hit the court at Wimbledon. Gille and doubles partner Joran Vliegen cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 straight-set win over Laslo Djere (Serbia) and Christopher O’Connell (Australia) in Sunday’s first round match.
The match, which was scheduled to be played on Wednesday, lasted only 55 minutes as the No. 12 seeded Belgian duo carried over their momentum from the clay at the French Open to the grass at Wimbledon.
Gille/Vliegen, who advanced to the championship match at last month’s French Open, totaled seven aces on Sunday, while winning 83 percent of their first serve points and 87 percent of their second serve points. Overall, they won 61 points in Sunday’s opener.
Gille/Vliegen will now have a quick turnaround as they take on Romain Arneodo (Monaco) and Sam Weissborn (Austria) in round two on Monday. They won their first round match in straight sets back on Thursday.
Following the run at the French Open, Gille moved to No. 23 in the ATP Doubles Ranking – the highest of his career.
Gille helped guide ETSU to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 2009-12 and was a three-time first team all-ASUN selection. Gille was named ASUN Player of the Year and Tournament MVP in 2010. Gille finished his collegiate career with 72 wins in the Blue & Gold.
