With Andy Murray sidelined through injury for the best part of 12 months, Kyle Edmund has seized his chance in the spotlight.
A string of impressive displays, including an appearance in this year’s Australian Open semi-finals, has seen the 23-year-old rocket up the rankings and emerge as Britain’s new men's number one.
And he delighted the Wimbledon crowd on his first appearance as the country’s top player on Tuesday with a convincing triumph over Australian qualifier Alexander Bolt.
The big-hitting Edmund powered to a 6-2 6-3 7-5 success, with supporters on Court 1 delighting in roaring on a home hope despite the absence of two-time winner Murray.
Edmund admitted he has had more attention on and off the court in the past year and was pleased to get his 2018 All-England Club campaign off to the perfect start.
“The performance was good – you always want to do well at Wimbledon,” said the Beverley star. “There’s that build-up period where you’re talking about it – how you are feeling and if you are confident.
“You get asked those questions and it’s about coming here and wanting to do well.
“When the time comes, it’s about producing and I thought today was a great experience being on Court 1. To be on that court is a great feeling, especially when you win and I felt I did a pretty good job.
“[I’ve had more attention] in general in the last six months and the Australian Open run probably helped.
“I’ve felt a little bit more attention regardless of how many Brits have been around or if Andy’s around.
“It’s part and parcel of professional and going up the rankings.”
Edmund added how he wants to utilise his big-serving game on the grass, as well as remaining in a focused state of mind, if he is to go deep at SW19 this time around.
His previous best is last year’s second-round appearance, where he was beaten in straight sets by Frenchman Gael Monfils.
“There’s no reason why you can’t win matches – that’s how I’ve tried to view this year and any tournament,” he added. “I know I have a good game and always try and believe in it and be confident in it.
“When you have a big game or a big serve – you’ve got to use that to your advantage, especially on the grass court - if you have big serves, it helps.
“It’s all down to producing on the day and I find a lot of matches are won and lost at this level in the head and who makes the right decisions on the day.”
American Bradley Klahn awaits Edmund in the second round, while fellow Brit Jay Clarke was beaten by experienced Latvian Ernests Gulbis in a five-set thriller.
It was a cruel blow for Derby teenager Clarke, who belied his tender years in delivering a thrilling and mature display which fell just short against his streetwise opponent.
“I’m not happy at all – I’m very sad to go out,” said Clarke. “At 4-4 [in the fifth] I had game point, he lifted the ball and the wind took it, it made it a really tough shot.
“It was a good match – he’s been number ten in the world, in the semis of slams and he’s had a couple of good wins here, too.
“There will be positives to take from it but it’s tough to see them right now.
“When I look back in two or three days’ time with my team, maybe I’ll see them then.”
By Jimmy Booker at Wimbledon
Sportsbeat 2018