The island’s sport minister has congratulated Billy Harris on his efforts at Wimbledon and hopes he can go on to inspire the next generation.
Harris, 30, won his first-round match in straight sets but exited in the second round against Portugal’s Nuno Borges.
Daphne Caine, Education, Sport and Culture Minister, said: “I would like to say congratulations to Billy Harris. I think he’s done fantastically well—getting a match win in an international, World Competition in any sport is a major achievement.”
She added: “He said it’s his career highlight. It’s a highlight for all of the Isle of Man.”
Future
While the island saw the ‘Cavendish effect’ after he burst onto the cycling scene, Mrs Caine hopes that Harris’ increased profile will boost tennis and all sport on the island.
She added: “We have got stars of the future. Very much putting dedicated hours into training and match playing.”
Mrs Caine also emphasised the role of local facilities such as the island’s young players being coached at Albany Tennis Club who she went to visit as in her role as minister.
Harris, who spoke highly of his Manx upbringing, has been praised for showcasing the island’s potential and spoke himself of hoping to inspire others to follow their dreams into top level sport.
He is due on court in the men’s doubles later today.
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