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The 22-year-old replaced Murray in the evening slot on the iconic show court, with the former world number one having withdrawn through injury earlier on Tuesday.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
-
CNBC Africa partners KGL Group
4 minutes -
NDC amendments have watered down Anti-LGBTQ bill – NPP MP
4 minutes -
Technology Consultant warns against expansive regulation in proposed NITA Bill
8 minutes -
NPP agitation over Anti-LGBTQ+Bill purely political – Sam George
10 minutes -
NITA Bill: ‘I hear the tech industry, but we won’t rewrite rules’ – Sam George to critics on legislative process
24 minutes -
First of five men found alive in flooded Laos cave rescued
26 minutes -
Effia MP urges end to politicisation following passage of Anti-LGBTQ Bill
33 minutes -
Mahama expected to honour commitment to Anti-LGBTQ Bill – Sam George
1 hour -
Sam George expresses relief following passage of Anti-LGBTQ Bill
1 hour -
The tactics that could win Arsenal the Champions League
1 hour -
South Africa tensions: Ernesto Yeboah urges restraint, warns against retaliation
2 hours -
Historic STEM High School and 600 dual desks transform education in Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District
2 hours -
Ajayi breaks Fasuba’s longstanding record at NCAA East Regionals Championship
2 hours -
EU hails Hungary’s ‘wind of change’ and unlocks €16.4bn for new PM Magyar
2 hours -
Former US attorney general Pam Bondi defends her handling of Epstein files in congressional probe
2 hours