British number one Emma Raducanu cruised to a comfortable victory over compatriot Mimi Xu to progress to the second round at her “favourite tournament”, Wimbledon.
Raducanu swiftly wrapped up the 6-3 6-3 win against 17-year-old Xu, who was making her maiden Grand Slam appearance.
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 aims to better last year’s run to the fourth round.
“It’s really nice to be back. I just use it [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.
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