Bronze at the Rio Olympics in 2016, and now Commonwealth Champions, the English men’s doubles pair of Chris Langridge and Marcus Ellis look to be in the form of their lives. They now go into the European Championships in Huelva, Spain as one of the big contenders to end up with some silverware.
However, three weeks competing in Australia earlier this month might have made this bad-timing for Europe’s fifth-ranked men’s doubles pair. Langridge feels jet-lag may be the reason.
- After a good Commonwealth Games, I don’t feel our preparations for the Euro’s has been great to be honest. After three weeks in Australia, both myself and Marcus were heavily jet-lagged. However lately, I feel we’re both gelling again and recovering well from a few niggles. So we physically feel good both on and off court. We know the men’s doubles at the Euros in particular is strong, there are some strong pairs seeded higher than us that could definitely get a medal. We’ll just have to see how it pans out on the day.
See also: England aiming for doubles domination
With the withdrawal of Carsten Mogensen still fresh in many players minds, Langridge feels some sections of the draw have opened up, and it could see someone make a breakthrough.
- I was surprised by Carsten’s withdrawal. It’s always unfortunate to see someone pull out. You never want to see anyone do that. But I feel there are a still couple of strong Danish pairs left. Ivanov and Sozonovwill be a strong pair also. It’s going to be interesting as that has really opened up the draw now for some people.
It has been almost four years since the partnership of Langridge and Ellis formed. Their experience, strong comradery and never-say-die attitude has made them the success that they are. Will they add another major medal to their already impressive collection? The English pair enters the event as the fifth seeds, and begin their campaign against Italy’s Lukes Osele and Kevin Strobl on Wednesday.
For a full list of every draw of the upcoming European Championships, click here.