Dan Evans marked his Wimbledon return in perfect style by beating Federico Delbonis in straight sets.
Evans, one of eight Brits in action on Tuesday, was playing at the All England Club for the first time since 2016, but was far too good for Delbonis, winning 6-3 7-6 (5) 6-3 on Court 18.
The 29-year-old has been absent for the last two years, first due to a drugs ban and then because of a defeat in the final round of qualifying having been denied a wild card.
Win No.1⃣3⃣ for Dan Evans on the grass this year 👊 Dan is into the 2nd round of #Wimbledon for the 2nd time in his career after a 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Delbonis #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/ShWXXn3EYy — LTA (@the_LTA) July 2, 2019
But he looked at home and showed exactly why he has enjoyed a fine grass-court season, which has seen him win two Challenger events and get to the quarter-finals at Eastbourne last week.
Delbonis, in contrast, has never won a main tour-level match on grass and Evans was quick to assert his authority, breaking in the second game on the way to a comfortable first set.
The Argentinian, who once beat Andy Murray at Indian Wells, may not be used to grass but he tried to serve and volley and was good around the net as he took the second set to a tie-break.
Evans was just too good for him, though, and after he went 2-0 up there was little doubt that he was going to earn a straight-sets victory, even if he did have to work for it.
Delbonis had saved nine break points in the third, but the 10th proved crucial, allowing Evans to serve it out for a confident victory.
Nikoloz Basilashvili or compatriot James Ward will be his second-round opponent.
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