James Ward has recorded a four-set victory over Jiri Vesely to reach the Wimbledon third round for the first time in his career.
The British number four has endured a disappointing few months on the ATP Tour, but he has confirmed his place in the top 100 in the world rankings with a 6-2 7-6(4) 3-6 6-3 triumph over the world number 45.
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Ward began the match as the underdog against the left-hand Czech hitter but he quickly showed that he was capable of matching his opponent by breaking serve twice to take the opening set.
The Londoner had his chances in the second too, wasting numerous opportunities to break Vesely's serve before his opponent forced a tie-break.
However, despite falling behind during the early stages, Ward powered back to create two more set points, the first of which was converted when Vesely sent a forehand long of the baseline.
The momentum was with Ward, but Vesely was the better player throughout the third set, despite requiring assistance from the trainer, and a single break of serve was enough to take the contest into a fourth set.
Vesely was building a head of steam, but Ward was able to strike on his only break-point chance, while also saving four openings on his own serve, to record a famous victory.
Darren Plant
