Oliver Tarvet's girlfriend and father have both opened up after the Briton's incredible match against Carlos Alcaraz.
Helaena Staebler could barely contain her delight as she watched her boyfriend Tarvet battle Alcaraz on Centre Court. The 20-year-old American, dressed in a low-cut blue dress, was seen standing and cheering from the family seats alongside Tarvet's parents and fellow students from the University of San Diego.
The California native, who studies biology, has been with the British player for a year after they met at university. She couldn't resist capturing the momentous occasion on her phone, describing herself as "extremely proud" of his performance against the reigning champion.
The 21-year-old from St Albans delivered a remarkable performance despite ultimately falling 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 to the Spanish champion. Tarvet's journey to Centre Court was extraordinary, having climbed from a world ranking of 733rd whilst maintaining his studies as a university student.
Helaena Staebler had nothing but praise for her boyfriend Oliver Tarvet
PA
"I am honestly just very proud of him," she told the Daily Express.
"It was so exciting to watch and I'm just really excited to see how far he's going to go with all this."
The British player managed to break Alcaraz's serve twice during the encounter, forcing the reigning champion to battle throughout. After a difficult opening set, Tarvet found his rhythm and showcased the level of tennis that has made him a standout on the collegiate circuit.
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The Wimbledon crowd roared their approval as he fought for every point, giving him a rapturous ovation as he left the court.
His second-round appearance marked a stunning breakthrough for someone still balancing professional tennis with his academic commitments in California.
Garry Tarvet, a construction manager, was equally overjoyed with his son's display.
"It was just an unbelievable level of play from Oliver. I'm glad he held it together and looked mentally strong," he added.
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Oliver Tavert put on a good fight against the defending champion
PA
"We know he's very strong, a great competitor on the collegiate circuit and I think he showed everyone out there what he's about."
The proud father highlighted the quality of tennis on display, noting: "The level of play was very high. The first set was always going to be difficult, but he went on to break Alcaraz's serve twice so yeah, we're really, really pleased."
Garry credited his son's team at San Diego University for much of his success in reaching Wimbledon's second round, too.
"He works his socks off to train to get to that level and it was there for everyone to see today," he enthused.
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Alcaraz himself was full of praise for the young Briton following their Centre Court encounter.
"I told him just congratulations for the run, just keep it going, keep working hard. It seems like he's a really nice guy and really nice, hard worker. It seems like he loves tennis. He played with such a good passion out there that is really important," the Spanish champion revealed.
Carlos Alcaraz had nothing but praise for the young Briton after the match
Reuters
The reigning Wimbledon winner was optimistic about Tarvet's future prospects.
"Let's see, if he keep working hard, if he keep practicing hard and playing in professional level, I think he can go far," Alcaraz said.
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