South African Kevin Anderson began his Wimbledon tournament in the best possible manner, defeating Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the first round.

The 21-year-old Pouille was no match for the 2-metre tall South African, who has been in scintillating form of late. Anderson earned his 200th match win with a 6-2, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory over his French opponent.

His powerful serve was once again on display, as his 23 aces helped him to advance to the second round of the prestigious grand slam event.

Anderson took the first set 6-2 with little trouble, but the second set was more difficult, as the young Frenchman fought hard to stay in the match, but the South African managed to take the set 7-5 on a tie break.

The third set provided Pouille with his reward, as he emerged 6-3 with a set in his grasp. Anderson then ensured that the tide turned back in his favour, and he finished the game off with a 6-3 victory in the final set.

The 29-year-old will now move on to the second round to face Marsel Ilhan, who defeated Jerzy Janowicz 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-3.

Having broken into the top 15 of the tennis world rankings during the course of the last week, placing a best ever 14th in the world, Anderson will be aiming to make his seventh stint at Wimbledon a success, following a best-ever fourth round appearance last year.

His surge up the rankings came following his successful run to the final of the Aegon Championship in London at Queen’s Club a little over a week ago, where Scot Andy Murray defeated the South African 6-3, 6-4 in the ultimate encounter, denying him the title.