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Emma Raducanu, Britain's top-ranked female player, advanced to the second round at Wimbledon with a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 victory over compatriot Mimi Xu. The match marked 17-year-old Xu's Grand Slam debut.
The Welsh teenager showed glimpses of the potential that earned her a wildcard in this year's main draw at SW19. But Raducanu quickly settled into her rhythm on court one and showcased some of the free-hitting style she has enjoyed at the grass-court warm-up events.
The 22-year-old looked unaffected by the still-sweltering conditions at the All England Club as she aimed to better last year's run to the fourth round.
"It's really nice to be back. I just use expectation as support and I love it," she said.
"It's my favourite tournament by far so I'm just so happy to get another match here."
Victory comes after a successful opening day for the British players with victories for Sonay Kartal, Arthur Fery, Cameron Norrie, Billy Harris and qualifier Oliver Tarvet.
Sterner tests await Raducanu with a meeting against former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in round two but she smiled and celebrated with the adoring home crowd after wrapping up the win.
Currently ranked at number 40 in the world, Raducanu regained her position as British number one at Queen's earlier this month.
Generally looking happier and more relaxed, the 2021 US Open champion has reached two WTA quarter-finals this year and returned to the world's top 40. But, after a difficult build-up which included an emotional tournament at Eastbourne last week and having to pull out of the Berlin Open because of an ongoing back issue, Raducanu said she "does not expect much" at Wimbledon.
An immediate break of serve gave Raducanu a foothold in the match and more break points followed.
