RYAN Peniston has been handed a wild card for Wimbledon.

The 25-year-old, from Great Wakering, will line up alongside Liam Broady in the doubles at the Championships.

And Peniston cannot wait to take the court.

“I’m over the moon,” said Peniston, who played at Southend Lawn and Garons in his youth.

“It’s a tournament that I’ve wanted to play in ever since I was a kid so for it to actually happen is amazing.

“Playing there is going to be the highlight of my career so far and I’d love to make it even more special by going far in the tournament.”

But Peniston, who is ranked 383 in the world, is still hoping to make it through qualifying for the singles.

“Making the singles is a very big goal of mine as well,” said Peniston.

“Qualifying for it would be the first step to that so that’s another big goal.

“But to have the doubles is fantastic.

“It’s going to be a new experience for me and I’m going to do my best to enjoy it while competing as hard as I can.”

Peniston did just that at the Queens tournament this week and was pleased with his displays after fighting hard in the qualification rounds of the singles and reaching the second round of the doubles with Broady.

“I’m happy with my performances at Queens this week,” said Peniston.

“I lost a couple of very tight matches that would have been great to come through but I’m still glad that I was able to show my level and that I belong there.”

Peniston and Broady beat Alexander Bublik and Nicholas Monroe before losing narrowly on a deciding tie-break to number four seeds Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut.

The Wimbledon Championship gets underway on Monday June 28 and Peniston was keen to thank those closest to him for their ongoing support. 

"I'm very thankful to everyone who has helped me on my journey especially my dad, Paul Peniston, my family, and friends," added Peniston.