Audio By Carbonatix
Jack Draper marked his first Wimbledon match as British men's number one by evoking memories of Andy Murray with a five-set success under the Centre Court lights.
Draper, seeded 28th, started tentatively against Swedish qualifier Elias Ymer - and lost his way in the fourth set - before coming through to win 3-6 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-3 in the first round.
The 22-year-old replaced Murray in the evening slot on the iconic show court, with the former world number one having withdrawn through injury earlier on Tuesday.
Draper provided a timely pick-me-up for the home fans disappointed by Murray's misfortune.
Making his return to Wimbledon after being injured himself last year, Draper celebrated clinching victory at 21:15 BST by whacking a ball into the jubilant crowd.
"I know you wanted to see Andy out here but you were stuck with me instead," he joked.
"The crowd helped me massively. I love playing in front of loads of people. There were some nervy moments and I really appreciate the support, it means a lot."
In round two, he will face Cameron Norrie - the player he deposed as Britain's leading man last month.
Norrie, who reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2022, sealed a 7-5 7-5 6-3 win over Argentina's Facundo Diaz Acosta shortly before Draper's victory.
It ended a run of four successive tour-level defeats for Norrie, who has dropped outside the world's top 40 after first-round defeats at the French Open, Queen's and Eastbourne.
He and Draper were among 11 Britons playing on the second day of the 2024 Championships.
Latest Stories
-
Creative Canvas 2025: Documenting Ghana’s creative year beyond the noise
27 minutes -
Alhassan Suhuyini makes Christmas donations to churches within Tamale North Constituency
4 hours -
Meet 81-year-old father of UCC Acting Vice-Chancellor, who recently graduated with an MBA
4 hours -
Did you know that Ken Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Enayat Qasimi, is the ‘Ken Ofori-Atta of Afghanistan? – Kay Codjoe writes
4 hours -
Kidnap suspect arrested in Tamale as Police rescue victim after four days
5 hours -
Tema Oil Refinery resumes crude refining after years of shutdown
5 hours -
Kojo Antwi thrills fans with regal entry, marathon performance at ‘Antwified’ concert
5 hours -
Ofori Amponsah surprises KiDi at ‘Likor On The Beach’ 2025
5 hours -
Joy FM thanks sponsors, partners and patrons after spectacular 2025 Family Party-in-the-Park
6 hours -
‘Christmas babies’ and their mothers in Volta and Oti regions receive MTN hampers
6 hours -
One dead, another injured after accident at Atwedie
6 hours -
Maggi Waakye Summit draws thousands as Ghana’s biggest waakye festival returns
7 hours -
Western Regional Minister urges Ghanaians to use Christmas to deepen national cohesion  Â
8 hours -
Thousands turn Aburi Gardens into a festive paradise at Joy FM’s Party in the Park
8 hours -
Source of GOLDBOD’s trading funds questioned amid reported $214m loss
8 hours
