Niland qualifies for Wimbledon

Ireland will have a player in the Men’s Singles Championships at Wimbledon for the first time since 1984 after national number one Conor Niland finally came through the qualifying tournament this afternoon at Roehampton in London.

The Limerick man beat Nikola Mektic from Croatia in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6, 6-4, to deservedly earn his place in the main draw at Wimbledon which commences on Monday.

As the qualification tournament was delayed due to rain, Niland’s opponent in his historic first match at Wimbledon will not be known until later today.

Niland becomes the first Irishman to play in the Wimbledon Men’s Championships since Matt Doyle competed at the 1984 Championships.