British tennis player reaches Wimbledon semi-finals

A British tennis player will play in the Wimbledon semi-finals on Friday after advancing through the draw as a wildcard. The 23-year-old, ranked 114th in the world, grew up less than two miles from Centre Court and began playing at the Westside Tennis Club at age four. He will face the second seed at 13:30 BST.

Early training and family background The player was born near Paris but moved to London before his first birthday. His mother competed in doubles at the 1991 French Open, and his father previously owned a French football club. A family friend who is married to a former Wimbledon semi-finalist gave him his first tennis lesson and noted his athletic ability and footwork.

Junior development and university Coaches decided he would train against adults in the United Kingdom rather than travel for junior events. He later enrolled at Stanford University on a tennis scholarship and earned a degree in science, technology and society.

The player dealt with recurring arm injuries that limited his progress and recently changed his serve with help from a new coach and support staff. "I know how hard he works and everything coming together now, in his backyard at Wimbledon, is a dream," his coach said.