Britain’s woeful tennis record may have hit a new low, with Kent’s Robert Dee taking the unofficial title as the world’s worst professional player after losing a staggering 54 matches in a row – all in straight sets.
The 21-year-old has equalled the world record for the most consecutive defeats in his first three years as a professional. He didn’t win a single set in 108 attempts.
Until last week, that is. Competing in a Spanish Futures tournament, perennial loser Dee even failed in cementing his place in the record books – coming out with a surprise win in the match that would otherwise have made the record his own.
But the winning streak didn’t last long – he crashed out in the second round. In straight sets.
Dee has described his newfound attention as the sport’s greatest loser “a bit odd”.
“I honestly didn't know about the record, so all the attention is a bit odd,” he told the Telegraph in London.
“Obviously it was great to get my first win, but I can’t believe that people don’t have anything better to write about.
“I’m just going to keep on playing and improving and working hard with my coaches. Hopefully that will mean more wins at these sorts of tournaments.”
Dee is yet to secure a world ranking due to his lack of success to date.
