Edmund ends his losing run at SW19 with victory in battle of Britain

Kyle Edmund finally won a match at Wimbledon at the fifth time of asking, and admitted it had been a long time coming.

The 22-year-old world No 50, a first-round loser four times in both singles and doubles, won the battle of Britain against Alex Ward on Court Three.

Ward, who has slipped to 869th in the world rankings after a string of injuries and needed a wild card just to get into the qualifying competition, threatened to continue his fairytale – and prolong Edmund’s agony – by winning the first set.

But Edmund, the British No 2, eventually imposed himself on his friend and compatriot and ran out a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 winner.

“It’s nice to just win in general,” he said. “Especially, I guess, because you’re British, it’s the one tournament you want to do well in more than any other tournament. It’s more from your heart, because as a kid you watch this sort of event. To actually say that I’ve won one now is nice to say.

“In terms of a professional tennis point of view, it’s just one match. But it’s definitely nice to do it – I’ve had enough losses.”

Edmund was a big favourite to beat Ward but will be underdog in the next round against 15th seed Gael Monfils, a player he has never met before.

The Frenchman is someone Andy Murray knows well, having played him six times, and Edmund will try to seek some advice from the world number one.

“Just from knowing him throughout the years, he’s obviously a very good athlete, he moves well and makes a lot of balls,” added Edmund. “It will be tough. He’s playing well. He’s got good confidence. I’ll possibly speak to Andy, he’s always very approachable. I have asked Andy some stuff before about opponents, so maybe if it works out, I will. But he has got a match tomorrow.”

Ward, 27, ran out of steam after his bright start, but can at least console himself with £35,000 in prize money. He said: “It’s been tough starting again this year from a low ranking. But experiences like this make the sacrifices all worthwhile.”