The unknown ScotsmanIt seems the Murray brothers, Colin Fleming and Jamie Baker are not the only talented Scotsman in the tennis world. At a career high of number six in both the ITF wheelchair singles and doubles rankings, Gordon Reid is really on the rise but his journey to the top ten hasn’t been so simple.
Just days before his 13th birthday, Reid contracted a rare spinal condition known as transverse myelitis, becoming paralysed from the waist down. “I was a very active, sporty kid and to have all that taken away from you overnight is an extremely scary thing to experience”. The illness did not keep Gordon off court for long however and after adjusting to the new form of the game he had played since the age of six, the Scot began to pick up titles as a junior and dreams of professional success began to creep in. “The first time I really believed I could make it in the sport was back in 2006". Paralympic focus With an improving game, the Helensburgh resident set his sights on far eastern competition. “Another British player was talking about trying to qualify for Beijing and I thought to myself if he can make it I can too. The Beijing Games proved a learning curve as the 16-year-old was handed a tough draw losing to the eventual silver medallist. The loss did not hold the youngster back however, after tasting the big stage his appetite grew for further experiences. “I loved being a part of such a massive event and feeling a part of the GB team". Decision time After Beijing, Reid’s game progressed rapidly. Two singles and three doubles masters titles were clear highlights on the way to becoming the world’s number one junior player. After reaching the top of the pile in the junior game, the next step was clear. Reid knew this was time to make his move. In 2010, the Rangers Football Club fan took a leap of faith and joined the main tour. “I knew the London Paralympics were going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. “I wanted to give it my all in the two years leading up to it and throw all my focus into my tennis”. London 2012 By the time the Paralympic Games of London 2012 came around the British public had witnessed the heroics of Mo Farah and Jess Ennis with GB pride at an all-time high. Reid entered the competition confident, safe in the knowledge that he had beaten eight of the world’s top ten players. “London was massively different for me because I knew I had an opportunity to medal”. Although his medal dreams were dashed in the quarter finals of both the singles and doubles, the event still proved to be a great experience for Reid. “The atmosphere was incredible with all my friends and family there and thousands of other GB fans”. Grand ambitions Gordon’s next ambition is to qualify for his first ever Grand Slam. That desire is soon to become a reality after his singles ranking rose to number six in the world following his win over world number one Shingo Kunieda on route to a runner-up finish in South Africa. |
Reid celebrating during his London 2012 campaign
Reid's career highlights heading into London 2012 (Channel 4)
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Perhaps the terre bateau of Roland Garros will provide Gordon with his first taste of the Grand Slam scene...
Reid profiled before London 2012 (Channel 4)