THORNBURY’S Emily Webley-Smith believes she showed what she is capable of after coming close to causing a big shock in the first round at Wimbledon.

The 26-year-old produced a battling performance on Court 14 after losing the first set 6-3 to take the second set 7-5, and recovered from a break down in the decider before losing 8-6 to Czech Republic’s Klara Zakopalova, who is ranked 209 places above her.

Webley-Smith has climbed over 200 places in the WTA Singles rankings since the turn of the year to earn a wildcard at the All England Club, and hopes to continue her rise after pushing an opponent who reached the last 16 of the tournament last year all the way.

She said: “I think if I can stay fit then this shows what I’m capable of. I’ve just got to try and build on this performance and be consistent, so I can carry on improving my world ranking.

“I’m proud of that performance. I played well and I put my game on the court, which is what I went out to do.

“But I’m absolutely gutted to lose. I could have won and made opportunities for myself.”

“There wasn’t an awful lot in it and, ultimately, it came down to a few points here and there.”

Webley-Smith also fell at the first hurdle in the women’s doubles with Naomi Broady last night.

They lost 6-3, 6-4 to to Renata Voracova, of the Czech Republic, and Galina Voskoboeva, of Kazakhstan, meaning Webley-Smith is yet to win a doubles match at Wimbledon in four attempts.

The British pair made a poor start and fell 3-0 behind on their way to losing the first set.

In a closer second set, Voracova and Voskoboeva got the decisive break of serve in the fifth game to send them on their way to victory and a place in the second round.