Grass courts, with their unpredictable nature, are often the setting for unexpected victories. Wimbledon is no exception. Amidst the prestigious tournament's traditions, a new face emerged before the competition officially began: Oliver Tarvet.

Ranked 719th in the world, the 21-year-old Tarvet is largely unknown to the public. He has never competed in a Challenger tournament, let alone an ATP Tour event. His professional experience is limited to smaller ITF tournaments, where he has claimed a few titles. Qualifying for Wimbledon seemed beyond reach, but a wildcard entry changed everything.

Despite the odds, Tarvet navigated three qualifying rounds to secure a spot in the main draw. He defeated Terence Atmane 6-1, 7-6, then Alexis Galarneau 6-3, 6-2. In the decisive five-set match, he triumphed over Alexander Blockx 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-1, completing his improbable journey.

"It's a mix of emotions, mostly happiness," Tarvet said. "Wins at this level don't happen often, so I'm trying to savor every moment. Honestly, I didn't expect to win the first match, then the second. Winning the third was a complete surprise."

Tarvet throws his racket in the air after defeating Blockx in the final qualifying round at Wimbledon on 27/6 in London, England. Photo: Wimbledon

Tarvet throws his racket in the air after defeating Blockx in the final qualifying round at Wimbledon on 27/6 in London, England. Photo: Wimbledon

Against the 29th-seeded Blockx, Tarvet landed 57% of his first serves, including five aces. He capitalized on seven of eight break-point opportunities, securing the biggest victory of his career and his first five-set win. However, due to US college sports regulations limiting amateur athletes' prize money, he won't receive the full $90,000 prize.

These regulations emphasize the core values of sportsmanship, personal development, and focus on skill development over financial gain. Student-athletes like Tarvet can only claim reimbursement up to $10,000 annually for expenses like travel, accommodation, coaching, and training.

Tarvet plans to claim the full $10,000, joking about flying back to the US with his coach on a private jet. "I want to return to the University of San Diego to finish my senior year," he stated. "I'm grateful for the school's support and want to make my mark in my final year."

Tarvet has already made his mark at the All England Club, boosting British tennis representation. With his inclusion, Great Britain will have 23 players (13 men and 10 women) in the singles draws this year, the highest number since 1984 (nine men and 14 women).

Tarvet hits a forehand during his match against Blockx on 27/6.

"Playing at Wimbledon has always been a dream," Tarvet added. "I used to come here every year with my family to watch the best players. I'm thrilled to be a part of it this year. This is a stepping stone to my professional career."

Tarvet's path has been unconventional. Born in St Albans, North London, in 2003, he chose to develop his talent in the US college system. Unlike peers who focused solely on junior tournaments in Europe, he balanced academics and tennis. In 2022, he enrolled at the University of San Diego, honing his skills in the renowned NCAA system.

His decision proved fruitful. In his freshman year, he achieved 18 wins in 26 matches. By his sophomore year, he was among the top 10 college players in the US. In his junior year, he won the All-American Championship in both singles and doubles and was named the best player in the West region, among other accolades.

Currently ranked in the NCAA top 5, Tarvet boasts a 23-2 record this year. He also competed in ITF tournaments to gain experience and ranking points, reaching 624th in the world in 9/2024. He holds five ITF titles: three from Monastir, Tunisia, and two from San Diego.

His NCAA performance caught the attention of British tennis officials, who awarded him the Wimbledon qualifying wildcard. Tarvet proved himself worthy, becoming the first British college student to qualify for Wimbledon's main draw in over a decade.

In his Grand Slam debut, Tarvet will face Leandro Riedi at 5 PM today, 30/6 Hanoi time. If he defeats the Swiss player, he is likely to face two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Vy Anh