CHARGE OF THE BRIT BRIGADE

Home hopes handed kind draw so watch out for...

They are the children of taxi drivers, soldiers, immigrants, electricians and executives — the 10 British singles players at this year’s Wimbledon are certainly an eclectic bunch.

And while they might be the most diverse collection in a long time, they are also a group who have been handed the most promising set of individual draws for many years.

Leading the line today will be GB men’s No 1 Kyle edmund — third up on Centre Court to take on Mallorcan Jaume Munaur, a protege of Rafael Nadal. They are a slightly contentious pick for the main venue over the Venus Williams versus Cori Gauff match.

even without Andy Murray in their number, there is the highly unusual situation of six players from the host nation being ranked higher than their international opposition. Pressure, the British players’ constant companion at this time of year, is of a slightly different type this time around.

As if to emphasise the diversity of this year’s Brit pack, edmund could be found yesterday practising with SW19 debutant Paul Jubb, the 19-year-old wildcard and star of American college tennis.

The duo mostly learned their tennis in hull, although come from different worlds.

Jubb grew up on a council estate in the east of the city, edmund in the leafy village of Tickton north of there. One never thought he would be playing at Wimbledon a few months ago, the other has been carrying the torch since Murray became indisposed at this tournament two years ago.

edmund does not feel it is his position to hand out advice, but got in touch with his fellow hull graduate last week.

‘When he got the wildcard, I sent him a message saying, “Well done, amazing opportunity, as best you can, try and enjoy these two weeks because it’s probably the best two weeks you’re going to have as a professional”,’ said edmund.

The British No 1, seeded 30, will try and embrace his role as the first Brit on the premium arena. ‘I think even if you asked Rafa Nadal or someone like that, every time they play on Centre, I don’t think it gets taken for granted,’ he said. ‘I think it’s a great honour. A lot of people in tennis have a huge respect for a tournament like Wimbledon. So when you get to play on Centre Court it’s a great buzz — great to see your name on the order of play there.’

edmund is among those home players for whom this represents a great opportunity.

Munaur, ranked 88, has not played in the main draw before, while edmund — who gave eventual champion Novak Djokovic a decent run on Centre Court in the third round a year ago — is showing signs of a revival after making the semifinals at eastbourne.

Only two of the Brits are in action today, the other being heather Watson, whose ranking has slipped outside the top 100. She also faces lower ranked opposition in 17 year-old American qualifier Caty McNally.

The Channel Islander almost needed a wildcard to make the main draw and was handed one initially before drop- outs put her in automatically.

‘It is really important for me,’ said Watson. ‘This year when the wildcards were announced, I had never experienced it before but so many people were saying I shouldn’t have one. Usually I take no notice but this year it caught me off guard a bit so getting in on my own was really nice.’

Now 27 and playing her 10th consecutive Wimbledon, she knows all about not getting overwhelmed by expectation.

‘you have to get the balance right. If you are British you want to do well at home. For me, I want to do well because I haven’t done well over the last couple of years. I want to make the most of these opportunities because I am getting older.’

While Murray’s return in the doubles will garner much attention there ought to be half a dozen from Great Britain at least making the second round of the singles.

One player facing a tough task is London cabbie’s son James Ward, 32, who faces 18th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili tomorrow.

Ward is on the long road back from a knee condition which became so bad that when he went for a haircut he had to put his leg on the work surface as it was so uncomfortable.