Sutton-based Alex Slabinsky’s Wimbledon dream moved a step closer as he battled through the first qualifying round at the Bank of England Sports Club in Roehampton.

The 23-year-old, who used to train at the Sutton tennis academy, got his debut Wimbledon singles campaign off to a flying start as he defeated Romania’s Adrian Cruciat 6-4, 6-4.

Slabinsky, who moved to Sutton with his parents from the Ukraine 13 years ago, looked in total control against the world number 274 to book his place in round two.

But the British number eight insists he will not rest on his laurels in the quest for All England Club qualification.

“I’m pretty happy to get the win,” said Slabinsky.

“I didn’t feel like I was playing particularly well but it was tough conditions and the ball was bouncing pretty low. I just had to come through it however I could on the day.

“I haven’t played Wimbledon before so to get a first win under my belt was obviously very pleasing.

“I haven’t even thought about the next round yet – it was all about getting through the round.”

Slabinsky, coached by Nick Weal at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, had been in fine form on the grass this season, narrowly missing out on qualification to the Aegon Championships at Queens last week.

And Slabinsky, who lost in the first round of men’s doubles at Wimbledon with Chris Eaton last year, insists he is in the form of his life and is ready to upset the odds this week.

“Queens was good for me and it shows that I can mix it with these guys,” he added. “I was pretty confident coming into this match and it paid off.

“Recently, I’ve been playing really good – in practice I’ve been playing really well and the last couple of weeks as well.

“I really want to build on this win now though for the rest of the grass court season.”

Life assurance and pensions company Aegon is lead partner of British Tennis and is backing the sport at all levels, from grassroots to world-class tennis events. For tickets and further information visit lta.org.uk