Josh Ward-Hibbert: From Junior Champion Grand Slam in basketball trophy
Close friendships were formed as Vard-Hibbert traveled the world, playing tennis, and in 2012. He reached Pinnacle as he teamed up with Liam’s wider to win the Australian Open Junior Dubles.
Vard-Hibbert has converted professional and won one singles name and 13 doubled titles on ITF futures circles, including five with wider and four with Lloyd Glassspool, another now regular on the main circuit of the ATP.
But he struggled to advance further than that, and at 22. He decided to deviate from the scoring life to go to the University of Loughborou to further education.
“There were a few things that happened in my personal life and I had a little injury that constantly repeated and didn’t leave as I wanted it,” he said.
“Everything is only combined to put me on the tipping point.
“Tennis is a super heavy sport, physically and mentally. You always travel, constantly live from suitcases.
“No matter where it is, you have to live it. It’s hard, it’s a very lifestyle, 45, 50 weeks of the year.”
But Vard-Hibbert wouldn’t be without his tennis career.
“It’s an amazing sport. There were so many tall people, it taught me so much as a person, and the person I’m with the trip I had.
“I’m definitely glad I had that path. It would be rare not to say that I would like to have the number one number one, but it wasn’t on my way.
“I have to win the Grand Slam with one of my closest friends yet to date. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.”
2025-04-07 07:57:00
