Wimbledon was bathed in glorious sunshine today as huge crowds watched Scot Andy Murray launch his bid for Wimbledon glory.

The former Henman Hill, rechristened Murray Mount, was packed with thousands of fans there to watch his progress on a giant TV screen.

Temperatures were expected to peak at 23.8C as Murray, 22, took to the Centre Court for his first-round match against American Robby Kendrick — who he has beaten in three previous meetings.

Champagne stalls and ice cream sellers were busy and the All England Club's supplies of sun tan lotion were in demand.

Friends Lucy Goldswain, Katharine Tucker, Rebecca Griffin, and Danielle Morgan painted the Union Jack on their faces to show their support.

Lucy, 27, a charity worker from Finchley, said: “It's about time a Brit won Wimbledon and hopefully Andy can bring it home.” Ms Tucker, 25, an event organiser from Manchester, said: “What a perfect day. A picnic in the sunshine at Wimbledon. All we need now is Andy to win.”

Ms Griffin, 26, a teacher from Worcestershire, said: “We'll be here all day until they kick us out. There is no place better to be on day like this.”

Charity worker Ms Morgan, 26, from Kensington, said: “We couldn't get onto Centre Court but this is the next best thing. I think this is going to be Andy's year.”

Lucy Bradshaw, 27, a research scientist from Surrey, was hoping the British No 1 would win his first Grand Slam at the All England Club this year. She said: “I'm a massive Andy Murray fan. He is the best chance we've had of winning Wimbledon in many a year so we have to all get behind him.”

Friends Seb Cooper and Calvin Malloy, from Barnet, draped themselves in the Union flag to cheer on their hero.

Seb, 16, said: “Andy has got a great chance this year with Nadal pulling out. I think only Federer can stop him.”

Calvin, 15, added: “It's going to be a Murray-Federer final but I think Andy is strong enough to beat him now.”

Almost 43,000 fans were at Wimbledon yesterday, beating the record for the first Monday set in 2001 by 3,481. Officials said another record could be set today.

It certainly looked that way on Murray Mount as those who could not get their hands on Centre Court tickets jostled for the best positions.

Helen Hatherley, 22, from Woking, said: “I won't be able to get onto Centre Court, but being here is great too, I suppose, drinking champagne and catching the sun. I think he can go all the way this year.”