Wimbledon 2017: Kyle Edmund safely through all-Brit encounter to reach second round

Kyle Edmund powers his way to victory against Alexander Ward at Wimbledon. Picture: John Walton/PA

The 22-year-old British No 2, a first-round loser four times in both singles and men’s doubles at SW19, finally tasted victory in four sets.

Ward, who has slipped to 869th in the world rankings after a string of injuries and needed a wild card just to get into the qualifying competition, threatened to continue his fairytale by winning the first set.

But Beverley’s Edmund, ranked 819 places higher at 50th, eventually imposed himself on his friend and compatriot and ran out a 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-1 winner.

Ward, 27, can at least console himself with £35,000 in prize money, while Edmund will bank at least £57,000 by reaching the second round.

Yet it was Ward who made the more confident start and a sloppy opening service game from Edmund, with a double fault on break point, gifted the British number 20 the initiative.

Gradually Edmund’s serve began to click, and a ferocious backhand cross-court pass secured a break in the second set.

Ward had a point to break back for 5-4 but netted a simple forehand winner, and Edmund took full advantage, reeling off seven of the last eight games to end his Wimbledon hoodoo.