Wildcard entrant Katie Swan heads British hopes on the first day of Wimbledon

All eyes will be on Katie Swan at Wimbledon today as she faces her crunch opener against Swiss No 1 Belinda Bencic.

The Bristol-born right-hander, 24, is leading the charge of seven British hopefuls at SW19 but has a tough opponent in Ms Bencic, who is ranked world No 14 and won gold in the singles at the Tokyo Olympics.

But Ms Swan, who was seen warming up on the practice courts yesterday, said: ‘I think this year is more exciting than normal. I feel in probably the best form that I have been in coming into this week – I’m excited to get going.’

The wildcard entrant, who has been beset with injury problems, made it to the final of the Surbiton Trophy last month and will be hopeful of landing the biggest win of her career. She said: ‘I was excited when I saw the draw. Court two is the biggest court I’ve played on here so I’m really pumped for it.’

There is added pressure on the British women this year with Emma Raducanu dropping out to undergo wrist surgery. 

The Bristol-born right-hander Katie Swan (pictured), 24, is leading the charge of seven British hopefuls at SW19. She said: ‘I think this year is more exciting than normal’

The wildcard entrant, who has been beset with injury problems, made it to the final of the Surbiton Trophy last month and will be hopeful of landing the biggest win of her career. She said: ‘I was excited when I saw the draw’ 

Jodie Burrage faces American Caty McNally today, Harriet Dart takes on France’s Diane Parry, while Dan Evans plays Frenchman Quentin Halys.

Britain’s biggest hopes – Katie Boulter, Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie – are all set to play tomorrow. But forecasters are predicting storms with 50mph winds, which could see games delayed. 

Ms Swan has recently signed with Murray’s management firm and sees the last British Wimbledon winner as a personal ‘mentor’. 

She may have also picked up some tips after warming up on court number one with five-time champion Venus Williams. 

Ms Swan posted a photo of them playing together on Thursday. Ms Swan, who is ranked 146th in the world, said: ‘That’s something I wouldn’t have even dreamed of as a kid. It was unbelievable.’

Fans been queuing for over two days to get tickets for the opening matches. At the front were Julia and Nickie Barker, from Dublin. Mrs Barker said: ‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.’

Fans been queuing for over two days to get tickets for the opening matches