Arthur Fery says he took the opportunities that were presented to him as he punched his ticket into the second round of the LTA’s Lexus Ilkley Trophy.

The 21-year-old received a wildcard for the event in Yorkshire and secured a 6-4 7-6(2) victory against Duje Ajdukovic, his first on the grass court this season.

The Wimbledon native was denied a second-round spot at both the LTA’s Lexus Surbiton Trophy and the Rothesay Open Nottingham earlier in the month, making victory over Adjukovic even sweeter.

He said: “I felt happy with my performance today, I managed to get going from the start today, serving well on the grass courts. I managed to close it out which was good.

“He serves very well, I think it’s one of his strengths, he hit a lot of aces against me but I managed to take my chances when it mattered.

“The past two weeks have been challenging for me, I wasn’t far from winning my first round last week but couldn’t quite close it out so I’m happy that I managed to get it done today.

“Everyone here is good, it’s a very strong draw so I knew my first round would be tough regardless, it’s a good one to put in the bank.”

Fery is on the LTA’s Pro Scholarship Programme presented by Lexus, the highest level of support for developing players aged 16-24, designed to help them crack the Top 100.

After playing on Court 1 at Wimbledon against No.3 seed Daniil Medvedev last year, Fery knows more than most how much home support means when playing on the grass.

He will face Ilkley No.2 seed and world No.95 Lloyd Harris, who won the LTA’s Lexus Surbiton Trophy earlier this month, in the second round.

He said: “It’s super important playing in front of British fans and friends and family, there’s a lot at stake so hopefully I can do well this week and for the next two weeks to come.

“It’s going to be a good match, I’m not too sure how it’s going to go but I’m up for the challenge and he’s played well the past few months and I’m up for it.

“Grass suits my game, it’s quick and suits my aggressive style of play, I’ve enjoyed it for the past three or four years.”

For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website