The former world number one has dropped to 45 in the world rankings in recent months, with an injury hampering her progress, leaving her as the underdog heading into the encounter with 13th seed Kuznetsova.

Both players battled for superiority in the opening set but Kuznetsova eventually broke to claim the opener 7-5,- before going on to secure the victory by winning the second 6-4.

The Russian player, who has won French and US Open titles in her career, will now take on Britain’s Tara Moore in the second round, with the home favourite having overcome Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck 6-3, 6-2.

Defending women’s champion Serena Williams eased through her opening tie of the tournament, as she brushed aside Switzerland’s Amra Sadikovic 6-2, 6-4.

Her pursuit of a seventh Wimbledon singles crown will come under threat from a fellow American, Christina McHale.

The 24-year-old will hope to upset Williams, having already beaten Slovakia’s Daniela Hantuchová 7-5, 6-2, as she looks to reach the third round for the first time since 2012.

An all-British battle entertained centre court as 2013 men’s champion Andy Murray clashed with Liam Broady, the world number 235.

Unsurprisingly, second seeded Murray eased past his compatriot as he quickly wrapped up a 6-2 6-3 6-4 win, with the match having been the first time he had faced a fellow Briton at the tournament.

He will now meet Yen-Hsun Lu of Chinese Taipei.

Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka dropped a set against 18-year-old American Taylor Fritz in his first round tie but the two-time Grand Slam winner came through to win 7-6, 6-1, 6-7, 6-4.

His victory set up a mouth-watering second round match with Juan Martin del Potro, after he defeated France's Stephane Robert 6-1, 7-5, 6-0.

The Argentine, winner of the US Open back in 2009, is hoping to make an impact on his first Grand Slam tournament since 2014 after suffering a series of wrist injuries.