Wimbledon 2018: Kyle Edmund powers past Alex Bolt to make winning start

The number 21 seed beat Bolt in lightning quick fashion, losing just five games in the opening two sets on Court 1.

Bolt could only muster two games in the opening set and just three in the second as Edmund dictated the play from the back of the court.

The Australian was simply unable to compete at times but did at least manage to take the third set to 5-5 with tougher resistance.

Edmund found the crucial break of serve to close out the match with ease in straight sets in an hour and 43 minutes.

It was a solid opening win for Edmund, who is now Britain's leading light with Andy Murray having been forced to withdraw from the tournament.

"The performance was good – you always want to do well at Wimbledon," he said. "There's that build-up period where you're talking about it – how you are feeling and if you are confident.

"You get asked those questions and it's about coming here and wanting to do well. When the time comes, it's about producing and I thought today was a great experience being on Court 1. To be on that court is a great feeling, especially when you win and I felt I did a pretty good job.

"[I've had more attention] in general in the last six months and the Australian Open run probably helped. I've felt a little bit more attention regardless of how many Brits have been around or if Andy's around. It's part and parcel of professional and going up the rankings."

His next opponent will either be Yuichi Sugita of Japan or the USA's Bradley Klahn.