BRENDAN LINES
RIVERLAND tennis star Luke Saville knew “if I kept my head down and continued to have some good results” he would have a chance to realise his Olympic dream.
That dream came true last week when Saville was named in Australia’s 11-strong tennis team for Tokyo, where he will make his Olympic debut.
Saville will line up with doubles partner John Millman in Australia’s star-studded team, its biggest in Olympic Games history – that includes world number one Ash Barty.
Saville’s Wimbledon doubles campaign with Max Purcell came to an end yesterday after their third-round loss to third-seeds Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah (6-3 6-4 2-6 6-4).
It was a good result for the number 16-seeded combination, who had never previously won a match at the All England Club.
“Winning some matches here, as well as making the third round at the French Open too, holds me in good stead,” Saville said.
But Saville said representing Australia in its Olympic Games team “brings a different kind of pressure and honour”.
The 27-year-old was no stranger to wearing the green and gold in his junior days, representing Australia in world juniors (under 14) and Junior Davis Cup (under 16).
The 2020 Australian Open doubles finalist said to be part of a team environment would be a far cry from the at times lonely world of professional tennis.
“I can’t wait to get to Tokyo and wear the Australian colours with pride and make our country proud of my performances,” he said.
With the hopes of a nation on his shoulders Saville believes his country upbringing has kept him “humble and grounded” throughout his professional career.
“My parents Mick and Judy, brother Troy and sister Katie, have been so incredibly supportive throughout my career from when I started hitting balls at the age of five, until now,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be where I am, or have this opportunity to represent my country at the Olympics, without them.”
Saville said as a professional tennis player it was important to keep things in perspective.
“Travelling the world and playing tennis at the highest level, I try to remind myself how fortunate I am to be in this position, playing the game I love as my job,” he said.
“I believe strongly in being polite to everyone working at tennis tournaments.”
Saville said he was looking forward to teaming up with Millman.
“John and I are great friends and I very much look up to him for everything that he has achieved at slams and playing for Australia in the past,” he said.
“We both bring great energy and excitement to the court, so we should have a lot of fun out there.”
The Tokyo Olympic Games begin on July 23.