HSBC Championships 2026: Jack Pinnington Jones & Harry Wendelken bow out in opening round
• 3 minute read
It was a tough first day for the British contenders at the HSBC Championships ATP 500 event as wild card Jack Pinnington Jones and qualifier Harry Wendelken lost in the first round.
Pinnington Jones was denied a dream debut at The Queen’s Club by an inspired performance from former Wimbledon semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov coming through 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3).
The British No.8 had the chance to serve for the match at 6-5 in the final set, but managed to seal the match in the tie-break with the help of a dive volley winner.
“It was a little bit of luck for sure, it was a tremendous match from both of us,” Shapovalov said after his victory over the young Brit.
“He had me there. I got some lucky shots, diving volleys, good grass court tennis. To survive that one, I think I did really well to fight that out.
“I’m happy to get the win, be back here in London and to play on this amazing court. I’m happy to be back on the grass, I swear every clay court season I’m just waiting to get to the grass.”
For Pinnington Jones, it’s a difficult loss having led twice with a break and being 30-0 up serving for the match. The British star can leave proud of his performance having gone toe-to-toe with a former Wimbledon semi-finalist and junior Wimbledon champion.
For Pinnington Jones, it’s a difficult loss, having led twice in the third set and being 30-0 up serving for the match. The British star can leave proud of his performance, having gone toe-to-toe with a former Wimbledon semi-finalist and junior Wimbledon champion.
The 23-year-old was making his debut at The Queen’s Club this week in only his second ATP 500 tournament. His only previous event came earlier this year, where he made the quarter-finals in Houston, including a victory over Roland Garros runner-up Flavio Cobolli.
The world No.147 will turn his attention to the last remaining tournaments of the grass court season and will be hoping to return to Wimbledon, where he got his first Grand Slam victory last year.
“It really stings not being able to get over the line but overall I’m happy with my performance today,” Pinnington Jones said. “I will look to build on it for the rest of the grass court season and into the rest of the year.
“I want to thank the LTA and tournament for the opportunity - it was a dream to play on such a special court with the home crowd behind me.”
In a similar fashion, 24-year-old Wendelken also had his chances against 2022 semi-finalist Botic van de Zandschulp in the first match of the day on the Andy Murray Arena.
The British qualifier had three break points at 5-5 in the second set and led 5-2 in the tie-break, but couldn’t force the match to a decider.
The Dutchman used all his experience to win the final five points of the match and come through 6-4, 7-6(5).
“It was a very difficult match, especially from a guy who plays well on grass,” Van de Zandschulp said of Wendelken after the match.
“It’s always tough to play a Brit here but always good to get the first win on grass. I didn’t know Harry before so you don’t know what he’s going to do on the important points but I think I handled it quite well.”
Wendelken picked up two top-100 wins in qualifying for his first ATP 500 main draw this week – adding to his grass court victory in Birmingham two weeks ago.
He’s made three ATP Challenger finals since March and is one of the in-form players rising through the ranks at the moment.
Tomorrow, Britain’s Cam Norrie faces fourth seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and wild cards Arthur Fery and Toby Samuel meet in the first round.
Lead partners
Event partners
Official broadcast partners
Official tour partners
