Dudi Sela ended a six-year wait for a Wimbledon men's singles win and set his sights on an extended run in the Grand Slam.

Israel’s No.1 battled his way into the second round for the first time since 2011 in a gruelling five set match lasting over two-and-a-half hours.

Sela, 32, beat Spaniard Marcel Granollers (4-6, 6-3,1-6, 6-2, 6-1) to set up a second round tie with big-hitting American John Isner on Thursday.

He said: “I’m very happy to be in the second round playing. Of course I was nervous beforehand.

“I knew it was being broadcasted in Israel. I felt a lot of pressure and I didn’t want to disappoint.

So I decided to play relaxed and in the fourth and fifth set I came back. Then I changed my tactics and played smart; long rallies with a slice and slower balls. He didn’t like it.” 

Although Isner has won all four previous matches, Sela remains confident of progressing into the weekend in the men’s singles.

“Against John Isner will be a different game,” he said.

“He has a big serve and hits a first serve high percentage. I have to break him, be very solid and take my chances.

“The courts are playing much faster this year - but I like it.”