Best of British Keothavong fights back superbly to see off King

The 24-year-old, ranked 92 in the world, had secured an early break in the first set but then struggled to hold her composure as the American number seven took control.

King capitalised on unforced errors from the Briton to lead 4-3 and then broke again in game 10 to put herself in the driving seat.

Silly smiles: Keothavong

On the attack: Keothavong

Keothavong, however, returned refreshed from an extended toilet break before the start of the second set and had soon broken the American to lead 2-1 and then 4-1 before closing out the set 6-2 as the temperature rose at the All England club.

Great Briton: Anne Keothavong stoops to return a ball against American Vania King

With the match now fast moving towards two hours, both players continued to dig deep and 19-year-old King, the world No 93, took advantage of another unforced error from the British player to move 2-0 ahead.

Keothavong though dug deep to break back and then move 5-3 ahead to put herself within touching distance of the second round, which she had only reached once before.

Following four deuces, Keothavong eventually forced a match point, which she was unable to convert. However, her next opportunity came in controversial fashion when a return looked long but was called in by the umpire.

King was clearly rattled by the decision and put a return into the net to hand Keothavong victory and spark wild scenes of jubilation among the partisan home crowd.  

Keothavong's reward was a second-round clash with defending champion Venus Williams.