Georgian tennis player Nikoloz Basilashvili competed in Wimbledon successfully. Basilashvili who is world No.153 overcame qualifying round and made through to the main draw which is a great success for him.

In the first round Basilashvili faced Facundo Bagnis of Argentina and defeated him in straight sets – 6:4, 7:6 (7:3), 6:2. In the second round Nikoloz played world No.16 Feliciano Lopez (Spain). Many thought the Georgian was in hopeless situation but Basilashvili beat Lopez 3:2. The match lasted 2 hours and 58 minutes. In the third round Basilashvili faced world No.22 Roberto Bautista-Agut of Spain. This time the Georgian lost 6:7, 0:6, 1:6.

Despite this failure, Basilashvili’s competition in Wimbledon can be considered successful.

“World Sport” talked to Nikoloz Basilashvili.

- There are some tennis players whose hands are shaking while playing top seed players. What do you feel in such situation?

- My hands are not shaking but I realize I have a tough opponent and I must be careful.

- What did you think while playing Lopez, did you expect victory?

- Of course, I did. I always play for victory.

- How did you manage to beat Lopez?

- I was in better form.

- What can you say about the match against Bautista-Agut?

- This time the opponent was better prepared.

- You lost the first set to Bautista-Agut in a tough battle. After that you won only one game in two sets. Were inexperience and tiredness reasons for your loss?

- I do not have experience of playing at such great tournaments. Wimbledon was the second after this year’s Roland Garros. After the first set I felt pain in muscles but the opponent was in better form and deserved victory.

- What can you say about positive and negative sides of your game?

- I do not have a good serve. I am working on it and I am doing my best to improve it. I cannot say anything else.

- Do you have a private coach?

- No, I do not.

- Were you alone at Wimbledon?

- I was with a representative from one of the clubs of Istanbul.

- What can you say about future plans?

- I resumed practicing today. I will play at Davis Cup with the Georgian team. Then, I will participate in international tournaments of Netherlands, Germany and USA.