Bogdanovic closes on Wimbledon place

Alex Bogdanovic is two victories away from reaching the main draw at Wimbledon after coming through the first round of qualifying at Roehampton today.

The British number two has received wild cards for the last eight years, losing in the first round on each occasion.

He was not recommended for one this year despite being well inside the Lawn Tennis Association's guideline cut-off point of 250 in the world.

At Queen's last week, Bogdanovic criticised the LTA for not supporting him and vowed to continue his efforts to break into the top 100.

And his qualifying campaign got off to a good start as he defeated Brazil's Ricardo Hocevar 6-3 7-6 (7/3).

The 26-year-old broke in the eighth game of the opening set and then came back from a break down in the second before clinching victory in a tie-break.

There were mixed fortunes for Bogdanovic's countrymen, with Dan Evans and Josh Goodall also winning but five other Britons were eliminated.

Evans cut it fine, coming from a set down to beat Tim Smyczek of the USA 4-6 6-1 12-10 while Goodall saw off 21st seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-3 6-4.

Chris Eaton, who came through qualifying to reach the second round in 2008, can count himself somewhat unlucky after losing out 4-6 6-3 10-8 to Roko Karanusic.

There were also defeats for Daniel Cox, David Rice, Josh Milton and Alex Ward.