Gale withdraws from British Open
Flynn promoted to main draw as lucky loser
Levi Gale has been forced to withdraw from this year’s British Open following discovery of a stress fracture in his tibia.
Gale played at the Real 10 at Middlesex University nine days ago, but has been unable to play since.
He had been due to play qualifier Zak Eadle in the main draw on Sunday, with a chance of meeting Steve Virgona in the second round.
Gale’s place in the main draw singles will be taken up by lucky loser Will Flynn, who had lost to Henry Henman in qualifying. Lucky losers are permitted for withdrawals up to the start of play in the main draw. Last year, Mark Hobbs filled in as a lucky loser. The lucky loser spots are offered to the best ranked players in qualifying who had not already earned a spot in the main draw.
Flynn will relish the opportunity to play Eadle in what promises to be a hard-hitting match. The two met at last year’s Open in a thrilling five set battle that ended 6/5 in the final set to Eadle. The players are only separated by 0.4 points on handicap, which will make it the closest match on paper in the first round, making it must see viewing on the Queen’s Club west court.
The doubles draw is also shaken up by Gale’s withdrawal. Gale had been due to play with Leamington’s Lewis Williams as sixth seeds. Queen’s Club amateur Jonny Whitaker will now partner Williams, but does not bring any IRTPA points to maintain William’s former position as a seed. Instead, Darren Long and Neil Mackenzie move into the sixth seed position, and will play Freddie Bristowe and Adam Player on Wednesday at 4pm. Williams and Whitaker replace Long and Mackenzie’s position in the draw, playing Thomas Durack and Tony Hollins at 6pm.
Updated draws are available via the Tennis and Rackets Association: https://www.tennisandrackets.com/real-tennis/tournaments-fixtures/british-open-singles-and-doubles-championships-2024#draws