Wimbledon wildcard – Paul Jubb profile: A closer look at one of Britain’s most exciting prospects

The Briton secured his spot after triumphing in the NCAA Championship in the USA

Paul Jubb, at just 19 years of age, is one of the most exciting prospects in the country. He recently triumphed in the NCAA Championship in the USA, an honour previously won by Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe. His victory came while representing the University of South Carolina, where he moved in order to further his career.

This success usually guarantees the winner a wildcard spot in the US Open, but as a non-American this is not the case for Jubb. A place at his home slam in Wimbledon is more than adequate consolation, however.

“I’m beyond happy to be given this amazing opportunity to play my first Wimbledon,” he said. “I want to thank the LTA for all the support and everyone else who has been on this journey with me. As a young lad growing up in Hull it was [a] big dream to get to SW19. Now it’s about to come true.”

Jubb will feel vindicated in his decision to move stateside. It is a route that was also taken by Cameron Norrie, who will join the youngster in the Wimbledon main draw this year. Jubb recently came up against fellow Briton and wildcard recipient James Ward at Surbiton, eventually losing but managing to take a set against his more experienced compatriot.

As something of a surprise inclusion it is hard to predict how well Jubb will fare, but his recent victory on grass over Jurgen Zopp – a man more than 300 places further up the world rankings – suggests he may be able to punch above his weight.

Best Wimbledon finish: This will be Jubb’s Wimbledon debut.

Grand Slam best: Jubb has yet to feature at a Grand Slam or indeed any ATP Tour events. His highest level to date has been the ATP Challenger Tour, with his best finish coming in the Nottingham Nature Valley Open earlier this month where he reached the round of 32. He has won an ATP Futures tournament in Lithuania, triumphing in Vilnius last year.

Highest ranking: Jubb’s ranking is at an all-time high, at 579.

Current Ranking: As above.

Age: 19

How did he perform last year? Jubb has no Wimbledon record to speak of, but aside from his Lithuania F1 Futures title in 2019 he also reached the semi-finals of two further Futures events.