2004 Jun 07 - Stella: Delgado stuns Dent

Jamie Delgado achieved one of the results of his career as he battled from one set down to defeat the American Taylor Dent 5-7 7-5 7-6(3) in the first round of the Stella Artois Championships.

Taylor was seeded 11 for the tournament while Jamie had to go through two pre-qualifying matches before earning his place in the main draw. On his way he defeated Brazilian Franco Ferreiro 6-2 6-4 and fellow Brit James Auckland 7-6(4) 7-5.

After the match a jubilant Jamie Delgado said:

"It's an unbelievable win and it shows me that I can still play well and hopefully have my best years ahead of me.

"I think I should be ranked higher than where I am and I am capable of more. Once I got into the match I started to believe I could win it and once it went to the third set I really felt the match would be mine.

"For me, a win like this is great for the confidence but I have to build on it and get back to where I think I should be."

Looking ahead to Wimbledon the Brit knows much hard work is ahead as he has not been handed a wildcard for the tournament this year due to his low world ranking and so he must win the Wimbledon play-off tournament scheduled for later this week. Jamie said:

"Wimbledon for me is the biggest tournament in the world so I am gagging to be there.

"I think it's fair that guys like me whose rankings are low have to earn the right to be there."