James Ward has continued a fine day for British players at Wimbledon by reaching the second round with a 6-7 6-2 6-4 6-3 victory over Luca Vanni.
It was a difficult start for the British number four as Vanni, who was handed a spot in the first round due to David Ferrer's injury, enjoyed the better of most of the longer rallies.
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Fine margins were the difference in the opener as Vanni took the lead with a 7-4 success in the tie-break.
The response was impressive and emphatic from Ward, who broke twice in the opening three games of the second set before quickly easing through to level the score.
It was a similar start to the third as Ward broke in the opening game once again, but his own serve looked vulnerable on numerous occasions as he saved four break points.
Ward held his nerve to serve out for the set, and he was on course for the victory when his Italian opponent slipped up to lose his serve in the fifth game of the fourth set.
Sensing a spot in the second round was there for the taking, the Brit managed to survive two break points and an increasingly attacking approach from Vanni before breaking once more to wrap up the win.
Callum Mulvihill
