British number one Jack Draper began his Wimbledon bid with a commanding performance before his opponent Sebastian Baez retired through injury.
Draper, who is seeded fourth after a stunning rise over the past 12 months, was leading 6-2 6-2 2-1 when Baez retired after one hour and 14 minutes.
Clay-court specialist Baez needed treatment in the second set after slipping on the Court One baseline.
“I wanted to play a bit longer in all honesty. I felt I was getting my tennis together,” said Draper.
“Obviously it is no way to win like that and I wish Sebastian the best in his recovery.”
In the first Championships since Andy Murray’s retirement, there is increased focus on 23-year-old Draper.
Much tougher tests lie ahead that Argentina’s Baez, who has not won on grass in more than two years.
Nevertheless it was a confident start from the host nation’s biggest hope of success this fortnight.
Draper next faces 36-year-old Marin Cilic, the 2017 runner-up whose grass-court nous should still provide a threat.