Rebecca makes exciting debut at Wimbledon (From Barry And District News)

Rebecca makes exciting debut at Wimbledon

A BARRY teenager took to the hallowed courts of Wimbledon for one of the most challenging and exciting matches of her tennis career to date.

Welsh number one Rebecca Llewellyn was drawn against world number five Svetlana Kuznetsova in the first round.

Her Russian opponent - seeded five at The Championships - is a former US Open Champion.

Although Rebecca lost 6-0 6-1 in 42 minutes to the Russian, the experience will have stood her in good stead for the future.

Nineteen-year-old Llewellyn played in the main draw for the first time having reached the final of the LTA Wildcard qualifying event.

Rebecca will also be playing women's doubles today as she partners fellow Brit Anna Hawkins.

They are playing Nana Miyagi of Japan and Anastasia Myskina of Russia.

Qualifying for Wimbledon has capped a great six months for the Elite Cymru athlete who has risen to 460 in the women's world rankings.

Tennis Wales Executive Director Peter Hybart said:

"Qualifying for Wimbledon is a great reward for all of the hard work that Rebecca has put in over many years.

"Rebecca is the first Welsh player in the singles main draw for some time and provides a great shop-window for Welsh tennis."