Wimbledon win 'fulfilled a dream' - Pinnington Jones

Jack Pinnington Jones will next face world number 24 Flavio Cobolli on Thursday

Wildcard Jack Pinnington Jones said winning his opening match at Wimbledon "fulfilled a childhood dream".

The 22-year-old beat former world number 27 Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Tuesday to claim his first ever Grand Slam win and reach the second round.

"For me it's a childhood dream fulfilled to win at Wimbledon," he told BBC Sport.

"I'm just trying to enjoy the moment and take it in. It hasn't sunk in just yet. It's very rare that you get to play in your own backyard and for that to be Wimbledon is special.

"It was awesome to see my friends and family on the court get stuck in and cheering me on. It was great to have them there and to see them and afterwards."

Pinnington Jones beat the Argentine on Court 17 in straight sets, winning the first 7-4 on a tie-break before completing a 7-6 6-3 7-5 victory.

He will next face Italian Flavio Cobolli, the world number 24, on Thursday as he tries to cause another upset and go one step further.

The Londoner went to school in Bournemouth and was coached as a teenager at West Hants Tennis Club in Dorset.

He completed his junior season at Texas Christian University in May but recently decided against returning for his final year so he could pursue his tennis career.

"I couldn't start my pro career much better than winning in the first round at Wimbledon," he said.

"It feels like I backed myself and made the right choice for now. It's been a different type of pressure playing here.

"I played some of my best tennis today when down a break point. It was one of those days where I felt like I was getting the rub of the green and was playing well, it really worked out for me today."

Rooting for 'best mate' Draper

Pinnington Jones admitted that fellow Briton Jack Draper is one of his closest friends in the game.

The pair trained together during their younger days in south London, and this year Draper, seeded fourth in the men's singles, is tipped to go far in SW19.

The world number four got off to a winning start on Tuesday and was on court at the same time as Pinnington Jones, leading 6-2 6-2 2-1 in his match against Sebastian Baez when the Argentine was forced to retire through injury.

Despite both playing at the same time, Draper made the effort to find his mate after the game to commend his efforts.

"It's special to win at Wimbledon and he is one of my best mates," added Pinnington Jones.

"We're rooting for each other; he came up to me after my game and congratulated me and that means a lot. He has a lot of belief in me and he's always there for me.

"Hopefully Jack can have a deep run in this tournament. I'm rooting for him."