by Spencer Vignes

RISING Southampton tennis star Gabriella Taylor has kicked off her challenge for the Junior Wimbledon title in style.

The 18 year-old recorded an emphatic 6-3 6-1 first-round win against Morgan Coppoc of the USA in the girls’ singles competition on a rare middle Sunday of play at the All England Club.

“It’s such an amazing experience being here and playing on these courts,” said Taylor, after winning in 51 minutes.

“Being the first round, so much of it is trying to find your touch and getting used to the grass which we only ever play on at this time of year.

“But I felt I did that early on. I tried to be the one dominating and to stay ahead so she couldn’t come back. I thought I did that well. The second [set] was a case of just keeping that pressure going.”

Taylor was due to start her Junior Wimbledon campaign on Saturday before persistent rain meant play on the middle Sunday for only the fourth time in the history of the Championships.

As a result there were fewer people around Court 16 to see Taylor’s match than might have been expected, the All England Club deciding to restrict the number of ground passes available to the public.

A Junior Wimbledon tie involving an outstanding British prospect would at this stage of the Championships usually attract more than the 100 or so who witnessed Taylor’s demolition job.

“I like playing in front of big crowds, so hopefully there will be a lot of people there for the next round,” says Taylor who received a wildcard into Wimbledon having been away from the junior circuit due to a combination of injury and opting to play some games on the main women’s tour over recent months.

Taylor is expected to play her second round match on Tuesday in what is her final junior competition before graduating to the main women’s tour.