Draper through Wimbledon opener as opponent retires

British number one Jack Draper began his Wimbledon bid with a commanding performance before his opponent Sebastian Baez retired through injury.

Draper, who is seeded fourth after a stunning rise over the past 12 months, was leading 6-2 6-2 2-1 when Baez retired after one hour and 14 minutes.

Clay-court specialist Baez needed treatment in the second set after slipping on the Court One baseline.

"I wanted to play a bit longer in all honesty. I felt I was getting my tennis together," said Draper.

"Obviously it is no way to win like that and I wish Sebastian the best in his recovery."

In the first Championships since Andy Murray's retirement, there is increased focus on 23-year-old Draper.

Much tougher tests lie ahead that Argentina's Baez, who has not won on grass in more than two years.

Nevertheless it was a confident start from the host nation's biggest hope of success this fortnight.

Draper next faces 36-year-old Marin Cilic, the 2017 runner-up whose grass-court nous should still provide a threat.

The retirement of three-time Grand Slam winner Murray, who ended Britain's 77-year wait for a home Wimbledon champion in 2013, signalled the completion of a changing of the guard.

Draper had already taken over as the nation's leading men's player when he played at the All England Club last year.

But another second-round exit - this time to Cameron Norrie, who he replaced as British number one - means Draper has still not yet ignited Wimbledon like his predecessor Murray.

While far from 'Murray-mania', there are clear signs the home fans are starting to emotionally invest in Draper.

There was barely an empty seat on Court One as he took control in the opening two sets, with a poster bearing his face regularly waved courtside another indication of the growing love.

"I don't feel about pressure until people mentioned it every five minutes," Draper said.

"I just concentrate on what I can control."