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The 22-year-old replaced Murray in the evening slot on the iconic show court, with the former world number one having withdrawn through injury earlier on Tuesday.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
-
GTA 6 leaks – a nightmare or a blip for the biggest video game of the year?
3 hours -
Two injured in stabbing attack at Canada Sikh temple
3 hours -
Modi spent years building his strong image – why is he making Gen Z reels now?
3 hours -
Canada ‘should fight’ as US trade deadline looms, Manitoba premier says
3 hours -
Man Utd agree ÂŁ70m fee for Brighton’s Baleba
3 hours -
Inter-Agency Football Gala: YEA organize event as part of National Youth Month celebration
3 hours -
Receiver fights High Court order to hand over No.1 Oxford Street Hotel to Cheddar’s company
4 hours -
Partey begins new chapter in Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab
4 hours -
NSMQ 2026: St. Francis Xavier deny debutants Pentecost SHS one-eighth spot
4 hours -
One killed in sword attack at Swedish school
4 hours -
NSMQ 2026: Tamale SHS sweep aside Kalpohin, Wenchi Methodist to reach one-eighth stage
5 hours -
Tupac murder accused told police in 2008 his nephew fired fatal shots
5 hours -
Heart of the Beast to Practical Magic 2: 10 of the best films to watch this September
5 hours -
NSMQ 2026: Tears of relief as Labone SHS survive Notre Dame Sem. in thriller to secure one-eighth spot
5 hours -
Onga Tomato Mix unveils Diana Hamilton as Brand Ambassador
5 hours