It was a star-studded family affair for Andy Murray as he walked on to Wimbledon's Centre Court to a standing ovation from cheering fans - a packed crowd that included his parents, grandparents, and a host of celebrities.

The whole country is hoping the Dunblane-born tennis star can make it two in a row following his historic victory last summer against Novak Djokovic, and tickets have been selling rapidly, officials say.

After ending the wait for a British male singles champion at Wimbledon after 77 years, Murray won his first match 6-1 6-4 7-5 against Belgium's David Goffin yesterday.

His big entrance was watched by an audience that included his mother Judy and girlfriend Kim Sears, who was sporting traditional Wimbledon white in a lace dress.

The two women greeted each other with a kiss before taking their seats.

Murray, 27, had family in the Royal Box too as his maternal grandparents, Roy and Shirley Erskine, and his father William Murray, with his partner Samantha Watson, took their seats there.

Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and retired American basketball player Shaquille O'Neal were also in the exclusive area, along with the Duke of Kent, Princess Michael of Kent and sports presenter Steve Rider.

Among the celebrities at the opening day of the tournament was comedian Jack Whitehall, who said he was hopeful Murray would give cause for sporting celebration following England's World Cup exit.

"As a Scotsman, I don't know if that's on his list of priorities," he joked.

Other celebrities at the All England Club were actress Naomie Harris, who was one of those heading to Centre Court via the Evian Live Young VIP Suite, along with actor Douglas Booth, Whitehall and Mobo winner Laura Mvula.

Other stars present included Sophie Ellis Bextor, Ellie Goulding, Jesse Metcalfe and Pixie Lott. Joely Richardson was another star taking in the action, while Kathleen Turner swapped the West End stage for a spot in the audience.

Meanwhile, they queued in their thousands to get a taste of the opening day's action and many said the atmosphere in the famous queue was "buzzing" - probably helped by the warm sunny weather.