Andy Murray begins Wimbledon defence with straight-sets win on mixed day for Brits.

Pregnant wife Kim and Duchess of Cambridge in crowd as champion wins easily

Andy Murray led the charge of the Brits on day one of Wimbledon as he won his first match at SW19.

The world No 1 was watched by the Duchess of Cambridge and his pregnant wife Kim Sears when he beat Alexander Bublik 6-1 6-4 6-2.

Play was disrupted twice by rain but Murray wrapped up the match comfortably in an hour and 44 minutes.

There was concern for the defending champion after he lost in the first round of the Aegon Championships and pulled out of two practice matches before Wimbledon.

However, after yesterday’s victory, Murray said: “My hip felt good. It’s a little bit sore but I was moving really good on the court today. You know, that’s the most important thing.”

Kate watched Murray from the royal box after meeting ball boys and girls, Wimbledon staff and players.

The champion confirmed on Sunday that he and his wife were expecting another child, telling a press conference: “We’re both obviously very happy and looking forward to it.”

Murray, who has lifted the Wimbledon trophy twice, will be joined in the second round of the Championships by fellow Britons Johanna Konta and Heather Watson.

Konta, who had to pull out of her semifinal at Eastbourne, comfortably beat Hsieh Su-wei 6-2 6-2, while Watson won against Maryna Zanevska 6-1 7-6 (7-5).

However, fellow Britons Cameron Norrie, Laura Robson and Naomi Broady all lost their games on the first day of play.

Aljaz Bedene was the last Briton to finish playing on day one, going through a mammoth game against the 21st seed Ivo Karlovic.

He won 6-7 (5/7) 7-6 (8/6) 6-7(7/9) 7-6 (9/7) 8-6 against the Croatian.

Picture: PA. A newspaper provides shelter from the rain for one spectator at the championships.

Pictures: PA. Clockwise from left: Kim Sears watches her husband win; the Duchess of Cambridge sports spots; and Andy Murray after his victory.