Andy Lapthorne feels he is edging nearer to claiming his first British Open title as he just missed out on the top spot to world number one David Wagner.

Lapthorne flew out of the blocks in the quad singles final of the British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships in Nottingham on Sunday, but couldn’t quite see out victory in a tough but enthralling contest.

The Brit stormed to the first set 6-2, before American Wagner responded and claimed the second set 6-4 to level the game and take it to a decider.

In the seventh game of the third set, two double faults and a lob sent long by Lapthorne, combined with a great serve return by Wagner, meant the American broke the Brit.

Wagner then served out to win the match as Lapthorne’s search for his maiden British Open title continues, having made the final four times in five years – although the 27-year-old believes a triumph is in sight.

“I might be losing these finals but I’m getting a lot closer and I really feel like I’m back where I belong,” said the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic silver medallist.

“Thanks to all my team, especially Marc (McCarroll), who put up with me day in, day out. He’s been a big help and really put me on the right path and he’s been a big part of that.”

Lapthorne also paid tribute to the ability of his opponent, acknowledging the personal troubles that Wagner played through to claim the title.

“First of all, well done to David,” added Lapthorne, who remains world number three.

“He’s had some stuff going on off court this week with his losing his nan and I know what that’s like and how inspiring that is, so I knew he was going to come out here today and give it his all.

“He’s an absolute class act to be able to come back from where he was just proves why he’s heading to the tennis hall of fame.”

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