Ryan Peniston leads charge as Brits enjoy best Wimbledon start this century

Ryan Peniston led the charge of the Brits at Wimbledon - then revealed why he cannot afford to stop winning.

The Southend-born star, in his first Grand Slam, powered past Henri Laaksonen in straight sets.

On a day of drama topped by Serena Williams' shock defeat, Peniston was one of NINE Brits to make it through the first round - the biggest haul of home winners this century.

It guaranteed the 26-year old his biggest career pay day - and took his earnings in his first month on the ATP Tour to almost £200,000.

Peniston let slip that he and fellow winning Brit, Alistair Gray, are looking to buy a place together in the neighbouring area.

“It would be cool if we could find a place around here to stay,” he said. “That would be awesome.”

With semi-detached properties in Wimbledon Village selling for an average of £2,092,038 in the past year, he was told he might need to actually WIN Wimbledon, with its £2 million top prize.

“Yeah,” he laughed. “I think I might!”

Their cause will be helped by wild card Gray also defying his ranking - after Peniston’s 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 dismissal of his Swiss opponent.

Inspired by his pal the 24-year-old romped to a straight sets win over Tseng Chun-hsin, 6-3 6-3 7-6 to pocket £78,000 for reaching the second round.

With Jack Draper beating Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-4 6-4 7-6 and Liam Broady beating Lukas Klein in five, it means Britain has six men through for the first time since 2001.

Add in Emma Raducanu, Heather Watson and Katie Boulter, who beat Clara Burel 7-5 6-3, it is Britain’s most successful start since 1997.

“I wouldn't say it's a golden age,” said Draper. “But there's lot of good players coming through.

“All these guys are my friends as well. Not only do we practice together, we go out