Ryan Peniston hoping his tennis breakthrough will help to raise awareness for cancer
- Sean Fisher
- 19 June 2022
Ryan Peniston's last few days have involved reaching the quarter-finals of Queen's and then being handed a wildcard at Wimbledon. He's hoping his new found fame can help raise awareness for cancer.
Ryan Peniston is set to break into the top 150 this week, with the 26-year-old earning the No.146 spot after consecutive quarter-final appearances.
Most notably, Peniston reached the last eight at Queen's, and it was during his run in that tournament that he found out his wildcard to Wimbledon.
Having been catapulted into fame due to his superb performances, Peniston revealed that he's received a number of adoring messages this week, but none humbled him more than a repost from Young Lives vs Cancer.
World No. 180 Ryan Peniston's first two ATP matches:
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 16, 2022
✅ Victory vs World No. 5 Ruud
✅ Victory vs World No. 46 F. Cerundolo
😧 @ryanhpen #cinchChampionships pic.twitter.com/QZRi485J3s
Peniston was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft-tissue cancer, at the age of one, leaving him needing surgery and chemotherapy during his childhood.
Having overcome the illness, Peniston is hoping his recent success can help encourage others to do the same.
"It has been really nice actually. I have had a lot of nice messages and support from people," said Peniston.
"I took a little time yesterday just to relax and chill out. It is starting to sink in but it has been a really nice couple of days.
"Maybe one message that really stood out was Young Lives vs Cancer, they reposted my story and I really enjoyed that. That was nice.
"That is one of the big things I would like to do in my career, to spread awareness and do what I can to help people going through similar things."
Ryan Peniston's dream run ends at the #cinchChampionships
— LTA (@the_LTA) June 17, 2022
But what a week it's been for Ryan 🙌 pic.twitter.com/f1RuoicK8R
Following on from his quarter-final appearance, Peniston will now face French Open quarter-finalist Holger Rune in the first round at Eastbourne.
After finding out his opponent, Peniston expressed his excitement at taking part in the warm-up tournament before heading to SW19.
"Obviously Holger is a really good player, like everyone in this tournament, they are all great players.
"It is definitely a good lead-up tournament and another great British grass event to play. I am thankful for the opportunity given to me this week and will hope to capitalise on it.
"Probably three weeks ago I wasn't that used to playing in front of home crowds but it has been super nice to have British fans there cheering me. I try to use it as a positive."
