- Ian Flanagan
Ian Flanagan (born
January 15 ,1982 ) is a Welsh former professionaltennis player.Flanagan grew up in the village of
Graianrhyd , and attendedYsgol Brynhyfryd between 1993 and 1997.At the age of four, he attended a tennis fun-day with his brother. This sparked an interest that culminated in him, at the age of 15, being the top junior tennis player in the world and
Youth Olympics gold medalist in 1996. Unfortunately, a severe bout of glandular fever between 1998 and 2000 threatened to end his promising career. However, despite his illness, and despite being the only senior British Tennis player not funded by the LTA (something he is harshly critical of), Flanagan fought back.In 2004, Flanagan staged a shock upset when he beat
Mark Philippoussis 7–6, 7–6, in the opening round of theStella Artois Championship atQueen's Club . Despite also beating the world no. 35,Victor Hanescu , in the second round of the tournament, before succumbing toSebastien Grosjean in the last 16, Flanagan was denied a wildcard into Wimbledon. The victory raised his profile, and put him on a tennis player's special "Weakest Link ."References
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