Wimbledon 2019: Britain's Dan Evans makes winning return to All England Club as Harriet Dart reaches second round
One of eight Brits in action on Tuesday, Evans beat Federico Delbonis 6-3 7-6 (5) 6-3
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Your support makes all the difference.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.
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.
Elsewhere, Harriet Dart used her royal support to good effect to record her first ever victory at Wimbledon.
The Duchess of Cambridge made a rare visit to one of the All England Club's outside courts to watch British number four Dart take on American lucky loser Christina McHale.
Sat between British player Katie Boulter, who is missing the tournament through injury, and Fed Cup captain Anne Keothavong, the Duchess cheered on Dart, although she had left by the time the 22-year-old battled to a 4-6 6-4 6-4 victory after two hours and 19 minutes.
PA
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