Katie Swan and Arthur Fery kept British interest alive at Wimbledon after securing first-round victories, while the number of home players eliminated in the opening round rose to 13.
Further defeats for Katie Boulter, Jack Pinnington Jones and Harry Wendelken matched last year’s tally of 13 British first-round exits, with several home players still to begin their campaigns.
Swan ends Grand Slam wait
Swan reached the second round of a Grand Slam for the first time in three years with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu.
The 27-year-old, who had considered retirement in 2024 because of a persistent back injury, celebrated by falling to the court after sealing her first main-draw win at a major since defeating Begu at Wimbledon in 2018.
Swan delivered an impressive serving display, winning 88% of points behind her first serve, and will next face either Madison Keys or Kayla Day.
Fery fights back in style
Arthur Fery recovered from a set down to defeat Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 and book his place in the second round.
The Briton dominated after losing the opening set, dropping just five games across the final three sets to complete an impressive comeback.
Boulter headlines British disappointments
British number one Katie Boulter suffered a surprise 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Italian qualifier Tyra Caterina Grant, who was making her Grand Slam main-draw debut.
The 18-year-old, who had never played a senior grass-court singles match before Wimbledon qualifying, controlled the contest throughout as Boulter failed to create a single break point.
Jack Pinnington Jones also exited after losing in straight sets to 28th seed Brandon Nakashima, while Harry Wendelken bowed out despite taking the opening set against France’s Valentin Royer.
British hopes continue
Despite the heavy losses, Britain’s campaign continues with several players still in first-round action, including Jacob Fearnley, Billy Harris, Jan Choinski and Toby Samuel as they look to add to Swan and Fery’s success.
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