Wimbledon is well and truly in full swing so to keep in the theme of things Bevo had a chat with Australian tennis star and Riverland’s very own Luke Saville.
We spoke about how he met his wife and fellow Aussie tennis star Daria Saville, the thrill of representing the Aussies in the Davis Cup for the first time and what it was like to play in the final of the Australian Open Doubles in 2020 with fellow Aussie Max Purcell.
Thanks so much to Luke for his time, to Rackets and Strings for sponsoring the episode as well as Southern Slugs Football Club and to the brilliant team at PodBooth for putting this video together.
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Luke Saville, the Australian tennis sensation, has made a name for himself in the world of professional tennis. Born on 1st February 1994, Saville has exhibited exceptional skills as both a singles and doubles player, captivating audiences with his remarkable performances on the court.
Saville’s journey to success began during his junior years, where he showcased his incredible talent and determination. He clinched two junior grand slam singles titles, emerging victorious at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships and the 2012 Australian Open. These early triumphs paved the way for his ascent in the tennis world, as he reached the prestigious rank of junior World No. 1. Recognizing his immense potential, Saville was awarded an Australian Institute of Sport scholarship, further fueling his development as a player.
In January 2013, Saville made his debut in the ATP main draw event at the Australian Open, marking a significant milestone in his professional career. While he faced challenges transitioning from the junior circuit to the demanding world of professionals, Saville’s determination remained unwavering. His highest singles ranking reached World No. 152, a testament to his perseverance and commitment to improving his game.
One of Saville’s notable achievements came in the doubles category, where he experienced considerable success. He achieved his highest doubles ranking, reaching an impressive World No. 23 on 8th November 2021. Notably, Saville reached the final of the 2020 Australian Open, partnering with fellow Australian Max Purcell, showcasing his exceptional skills in doubles play.
Throughout his journey, Saville has proven himself on the grandest stages. In 2011, he embarked on a remarkable run at the Australian Open, defeating formidable opponents like Adam Pavlásek, Dominic Thiem, and Lucas Pouille, propelling him to the final. Although he fell short against Jiří Veselý in straight sets, his performance captured the attention of tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
Saville’s junior achievements extend beyond the Australian Open. He secured the coveted junior Wimbledon title in 2011, exhibiting his prowess against competitors such as Evgyny Lovskiy and Thiago Moura Monteiro. The following year, Saville once again showcased his talent at the junior Australian Open, triumphing over Filip Peliwo to become the first Australian to claim the title since Bernard Tomic in 2008. Additionally, he reached the final of the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, where he valiantly faced off against Filip Peliwo, ultimately falling short.
Saville’s junior career boasts an impressive singles win-loss record of 96-39, with an equally commendable 65-38 record in doubles. In January 2012, he attained the prestigious combined world ranking of No. 1, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world.
Luke Saville’s journey is a testament to the tenacity and skill of this rising star from Down Under. As he continues to make strides in his professional career, the tennis world eagerly awaits his next triumphs and the legacy he will leave on the sport.
