Katie Swan savoured her greatest moment on a tennis court after overcoming career-threatening injury issues to keep the British flag flying at Wimbledon.
The 27-year-old halted the exodus of home players at the All England Club by reaching round two with a superb 6-4 6-4 success over Romanian world number 173 Irina-Camelia Begu.
Her Court 16 win in an hour and 23 minutes followed first-round exits for 11 British hopefuls and the injury withdrawals of leading stars Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu.
Swan collapsed to her knees after converting a fifth match point, having previously feared recurrent back problems might cut short her playing days.
The British number six’s only previous victory at a grand slam came aged 19 when she defeated Begu at the same stage eight years ago.
“I honestly think it’s probably number one,” Swan replied when asked where the victory ranked among her achievements.
“It was pure relief being able to finish that match, especially being 40-love up (in the final game) and then being pegged back and saving break point and being able to get over the line. It means so much.
“It’s been a rough few years for me, getting back to a point where I can play a slam again.
“I played Begu here eight years ago, and that was the last time I won a match here. It’s kind of full circle to play her again and win again today, so it means a lot.”
Swan cried on a massage table when she learnt she had been awarded a wild card for her first Wimbledon appearance in three years.
She watched a replay of her 2018 victory over Begu as part of her preparations and will next take on 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys.
The world number 196, who hopes to play the second-round match on one of the Championships’ show courts, does not feel unduly burdened by the prospect of carrying British hopes.
“I don’t really feel any pressure in that sense,” she said.
“I’m just so overwhelmingly happy to be in round two. For me, in the context of my career, this is a huge moment.”
She added: “Obviously yesterday was a tough day for the Brits, to see that Emma and Jack both had to pull out. I wish them all the best.
“I have had my fair share of injuries, so I know how hard it is for them to have to pull out of Wimbledon. It’s the worst time to be injured.”
Katie Boulter, who on Tuesday became the 11th Briton to be eliminated, backed close friend Swan to enjoy more memorable moments at Wimbledon.
“I know the struggle she’s been through,” said Boulter, who was beaten 6-4 6-2 by 18-year-old qualifier Tyra Caterina Grant.
“She’s a great girl. She deserves every minute of today. It’s great to see her back on the court where she belongs, winning matches.
“She’s got a big game. She can disrupt anyone. She’s got big weapons.
“It’s only been a matter of time before I personally believe she will be winning a lot of matches here.
“It’s great to see her out there, very happy for her. I hope she can continue.”
